Thandiwe Mlauli Becomes The First Black Woman To Launch An Animation Studio In South Africa

Thandiwe Mlauli is the first black woman to build an independent animation studio in South Africa.

“Studio Yezi is a development and animation studio based in South Africa.”Yezi” is short for “inkanyezi” which means “star” in isiZulu. As a company, we intend to be a symbol of hope and light, we intend to serve the world with our storytelling.”

Mlauli new animation studio will focus on heart-warming local stories, diverse narratives and character representations, as well as nurturing and developing fresh local talent. She will be the producer, director, and showrunner on a new animation series titled, SOLA.

Mlauli chats with SABC News about creating the first women-led Afro-anime series and short film in the country.