My name is Tsietsi and I am very proud to call myself a graduate of Kids Haven. Due to a lack of family support, I was sent to stay at a shelter at a young age. When that shelter was closed down, I moved to Kids Haven, which became the beginning of the rest of my life.

I was given the chance to receive an education, therapy, a family, a home, friends, and many other things that I had previously been denied. The team at Kids Haven encouraged me to have a dream and then helped me to persevere to make that dream a reality.

I ended up graduating with a BA Honours in Dramatic Arts at Wits, travelled to the USA to perform, and have even coached cricket in Chile.

I have been where our children are and want to give them hope for a better future, and so now I run a drama program at Kids Haven. I work with previously disadvantaged children, teaching them the basic elements and techniques of performance, as well as using drama as a catalyst for healing and social change.

*In 2019, Tsietsi was awarded the Young Nelson Mandela Award for his achievements and contribution to society. Tsietsi is an actor, teacher, model, director and writer, as well as a motivational speaker.