16 October 2026
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Story Chrystal Francis
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Photo Supplied
UFS Drama and Theatre Arts student Sibabalwe Jokani has been awarded the Crystal-Donna Roberts Bursary, which will support his planned honours studies. His interest in physical theatre centres on exploring the experiences of children affected by parental separation through movement and performance.
Named in honour of the late UFS alumna and award-winning actress Crystal-Donna Roberts, the bursary supports postgraduate art students in the Faculty of The Humanities. Established through a partnership between the UFS and the Vrystaat Arts Festival, the bursary recognises academic achievement and creative merit while considering applicants' financial circumstances.
Recognition of an emerging theatre practitioner
When Jokani received the call confirming his bursary award, he briefly wondered whether it was genuine.
“I was shocked and surprised. I honestly couldn't believe it, especially knowing that so many people had applied. For a moment, I even thought it might be a prank,” he recalled.
Jokani's interest in theatre grew at the Lady Grey Arts Academy, where he discovered how a performance could move an audience and challenge its thinking. The response to his early work encouraged him to pursue Drama and Theatre Arts at the UFS.
Marijda Kamper, Programme Manager for the Vrystaat Arts Festival, said Jokani's application stood out for the connection between his academic commitment and artistic ambitions.
“His motivation conveyed a clear interest in using physical theatre for community education and social transformation, bringing his artistic ambitions into meaningful conversation with the communities around him,” she said.
His academic achievements and letters of recommendation also strengthened his application, which was assessed alongside other candidates on creative merit, motivation, postgraduate potential, and financial need.
The UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester C. Klopper, encouraged Jokani to make the most of the opportunity to develop as an artist.
“I hope it will give you the space and the support to pursue your work with confidence, but also to explore where your talent can take you,” she said.
Using theatre to tell stories that matter
Through his planned honours studies, Jokani hopes to explore how physical movement can communicate the experiences of children and teenagers affected by parental separation. He is interested in how movement can give expression to feelings that young people may struggle to put into words.
“I believe theatre should do more than entertain; it should leave audiences with something meaningful to reflect on, even after the performance has ended,” he said.
Creating opportunities for the next generation
Jokani hopes to establish a theatre company or foundation that introduces children to the performing arts in communities where access to theatre is limited.
His ambition comes from knowing what those opportunities meant to him. At the Lady Grey Arts Academy, performing helped him discover his abilities and gave him the confidence to pursue theatre beyond school.
“Where I come from, many people have limited exposure to theatre, and I would love to help change that,” he said.
Watch Prof Klopper’s video message introducing the inaugural Crystal-Donna Roberts Bursary [here].