In the years since graduating from the UFS with a bachelor’s degree in Drama and Theatre Arts, Sizo Vena has not only produced/co-produced popular award-winning television shows, including Real Housewives of Johannesburg, Clash of the Choirs (Season 2), and Date my Family (Seasons 4 and 5).

Sizo Vena has also made a name for himself in the entertainment industry as both an on-screen enigma and a creative force behind the scenes as a reality TV content director, moulded during his four years in Bloemfontein. He also starred in the hit TV dramas Generations and Scandal on eTV. His work on Clash of the Choirs earned him a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) in 2015 for Best International Format show.

Having a story to tell is important

As interesting as his job as content creator is, it is always good to remember that the most important thing of this job is ‘having a story’. “Everyone has one and taking that journey with someone else always brings me to a closer understanding of myself – each and every time,” Vena says. Telling human stories is the evolutionary construct in content creation, because creating content means dealing with real humans – “You always need to be alert and ahead so that when your character decides to do something you didn’t expect, you don’t miss the shot or that honest and organic moment”.

As a content creator, Vena tells real human stories, unravels misconceptions, and makes television inspirational by using people who “are as real as my audience”. As an actor, he wants to fall in love with his characters, rooting for them to win, and having them trust him with their (characters’) journeys, their stories, and their vulnerability.

'Have a love for story'

Apart from his Drama degree, Vena also pursued various other courses such as journalism, audio-visual communication, advertising, and public relations – “this was to appease my mother, whom I tricked into letting me pursue acting,” he says.

He is currently focusing on writing and producing/coproducing original shows and formats. “I am also opening a content production hub that will supply the industry across all its disciplines, but my passion will always be television, specifically reality television. I also want to try my hand at documentaries,” Vena says.

“Everyone has one (story); and walking that journey with someone else always brings me to a closer understanding of myself – each and every time,”– Sizo Vena, UFS Drama and Theatre Arts alumnus. 

During his study years at the UFS, Vena was actively involved in the university's theatre community. He appeared in 21 stage productions, seven student films, and was a budding master of ceremonies for campus functions. “I also hosted a couple of popular radio shows on Kovsie FM with Metro FM’s very own Marian Nyako-Lartey.”

For upcoming content producers, actors and students in the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts, his words of advice are, “Have a love for story. Trust your instincts, and … ‘find the true intention behind your urge to be in service’– Maryam Hasnaa.”

100% Drizzy music video for Channel O with American rapper Drake.