Artists are the lifeblood of any society, or that’s at least how some of us view the world. We understand our society through them.
They mirror our dreams, frustrations and so many things that define the meaning of life. In short, without artists life would be a very dull world indeed.
Some of them would rather get on with their lives – or craft – without the politics that often compromise our lives.
South Africans, like others across the world, idolise their artists and value their craft, and would like to think that artists are on top of the pecking order within their societies.
Unfortunately, the reality is another story. South Africa, in particular, has artists who would rather live without controversy, but have to stand up and be the voice and conscience of their peers.
Ferry Jele is blessed with exceptional acting talent. She’s definitely up there with the best, particularly when it comes to what our actresses are capable of.
However, she’s one of those performers who combine artistry with outspokenness. Jele was recently a voice for her peers in the industry when she spoke out against unfair treatment meted out to them.
In particular, she indicated that a whole cast and crew were left in the lurch in deep rural KwaZulu-Natal.
Apparently, the budget for the 13-episode TV series went missing, thus leaving them stranded.
Based on the unofficial trailer, this unreleased but heralded series is something that one hopes will hit our small screen sooner or later.
Since she started her professional career in the early 1990s, Jele has distinguished herself both on stage and screen.
Her resumé is impressive and includes classic television stuff such as Inkaba, a Mzansi Magic series in which she portrayed domestic worker Florence Malinga – a role that she performed with class and finesse.
She also performed in "Tsha Tsha", a popular SABC1 television drama series based on young people and the social issues they face. Jele combines her natural abilities with an intellectual and technical background.
In her case, she is a graduate of Natal Technikon, where she obtained a national diploma in dramatic arts and the history of theatre back in the Nineties. She is a gifted performer and a voice of her generation in her craft.