Luzuko Yafele’s journey in the creative arts began in the vibrant town of Grahamstown (Makhanda), where his passion for storytelling was nurtured during a transformative childhood experience. While in Grade 5 at Andrew Moyakhe Primary School, he participated in a stage performance program sponsored by READ, a Department of Education initiative aimed at inspiring young people to embrace reading. Despite limited resources, Luzuko and his peers displayed remarkable creativity, crafting props and costumes from makeshift materials. His zebra costume, ingeniously made from a painted black refuse bag, exemplifies this resourcefulness. Competing against well-equipped schools across the province, Luzuko’s group triumphed, winning first place and earning a trip to Gauteng. This eye-opening experience—flying for the first time, staying in a hotel, and experiencing new luxuries—ignited a desire in Luzuko to rise above his circumstances and pursue his dreams in theatre, film, and television. Luzuko’s ambition led to the establishment of Lelakho Productions, a company dedicated to producing authentic and meaningful content. The name “Lelakho,” derived from a song by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, translates to “it is yours.” For Luzuko, this signifies his commitment to creating content that belongs not just to him but to audiences everywhere, offering enjoyment and knowledge
The inspiration for Lelakho Productions stemmed from Luzuko’s early exposure to the world of theatre, thanks to his cousin Noxolo Donyeli, a celebrated actress. Watching her achieve standing ovations and perform globally planted a seed of aspiration. As Luzuko recounts, receiving his first salary at age 11 for performing in a play solidified his determination to one day provide opportunities for others in the arts. His career trajectory from actor to director, producer, and mentor has shaped his critical view of the industry. He laments the growing emphasis on superficiality, where social media influence often overshadows talent and authenticity. “Our entertainment industry has been sexualized so much that people don’t look for content without sexual symbols,” he observes, reflecting on the compromises made for commercial success.