Cwenga Koyana
I am a creative Business Professional who envisions the enhancement of the South African Entertainment Industry
Professional Summary
I am an actress, singer, presenter, ambassador and aspiring creative businesswoman. I have 14 years of experience performing for local and international audiences. I have 10 years of vocal training and 2 years freelance work as a presenter for all the AwearSA local fashion shows. I believe in women in leadership, youth empowerment and social impact through the power of education. This is reflected in my appointment as a mentee in the UNESCO & Women@Dior: Women Leadership & Sustainability education programme as well as my ambassadorial role at Value Ed. Assisting young people and aspiring artists to upskill themselves through education and business acumen as a way of maximizing their potential is extremely important to me. I am a disciplined, well-articulated, hard-working and passionate performer. I am rooted in my values of leadership, integrity, creativity, respect and finesse. I have a teachable spirit and I approach my work with diligence, care and a spirit of excellence.
Achievements
Academic:
• Head Girl at Holy Rosary School (2012)
• Recipient of the Head Girl Trophy (2012)
• Head of Pastoral Care (2017)
• Head of Choir (2017)
• The Galatians’ Trophy for Deep Moral Integrity and Love for Humanity (2017)
• The Marion Hofmeyr Award for Caring Service (2017)
• DELF A2 in French (2017)
• 4 Matric Distinctions in Dramatic Arts, French, IsiZulu and Life Orientation (2017)
Acting:
• Lead Role in the Passion Play Easter Show (2008)
• Recipient of the Saunders Trophy for Drama(2008)
• The Sally Flanagan Award for Most Progress in Dramatic Arts (2017)
• St Mary’s FEDA production (2017)
• 100% for Matric Drama Performance Exam (2017)
• Rage on Showmax (2019)
• Inkunzane Nolwimi – CTDPS production (2019)
• Women of Owu at The Baxter Theatre (2021)
Singing:
• Voice Certificate for Outstanding Achievement and Commitment (2017)
• Most Spirited Middle School Chorister (2015)
• Soloist in Ireland Choir Tour: Call to Africa (2011)
• Soloist in Scotland at Kilmelford Parish Church (2015)
• Soloist in Rent: The Musical (2016)
• Soloist at St Mary’s School Cultural Awards (2017)
Presenting:
• Master of Ceremony at Matric Valedictory (2017)
• MC at UCT AwearSA Fashion Show (2018)
• Presenter on Hectic 99 on SABC 2 (2019)
• Presenter at Cape Town International Jazz Fest Gala Dinner, Canal Walk and V&A AwearSA Fashion Shows (2019)
Fashion:
• Voted Best Dressed at SMS Contour Competition (2014)
• Image Consultation Award on Women’s Wear in the Workplace with Image Excellence Group (2018)
• Sales Lady for Women’s fashion, clothing and Jewellery at the Care4Life Foundation High Tea Fundraiser (2019)
• Modelling Course with Figures Agency
Courses Completed:
• Peer Counselling Course (2017)
• Dale Carnegie Leadership Course (2017)
• Startup State of Nation Address Masterclasses (2019)
• Intel Corporation Supplier Diversity Workshop (2019)
• Value Ed Social Media & Personal Branding (2021)
Key Competencies & Skills
Key Competence:
• Leadership
• Strategy
• Integrity
• Empathy
• Caring
• Learning
• Networking
• Responsibility
• Development
Skills:
• Acting
• Singing
• Presenting
• Public Speaking
• Program Director/ Master of Ceremonies
• Business Acumen
• MS Office Suite Packages
Career Overview
January 2001 – Present : Student
September 2018 – May 2019: Freelance Presenter and Master of Ceremonies as an AwearSA ambassador
July 2018 – July 2019: Sales Consultant at Allure Boutique
Nov 2020 – March 2021: Sales in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Education & Qualifications
• St Mary’s Waverley High School
2013-2017
Matric
• University of Cape Town (UCT)
2018-2022
BA Theatre & Performing Arts
BA Hons in Film & Television Studies
Work Experience
References
Thea Makris - Owner of Allure Boutique & ProClaim
Karen Burt – Life Coach & Manager at Planet Productions
LeAnne Dlamini – SA influencer & Mentor
Mandla Mbothwe – UCT Senior Lecture & Theatre Director