Since 2003 β€’ Soweto, SA

StepAheadProductions

β€œStep in the right direction”

A Soweto-born arts collective transforming communities through theatre, music, dance, and creative expression since 2003.

22+
Years Active
9
Provinces Reached
242
Jobs Created
20+
Productions
African theatre performers on stage
Since 2003
22+
Years of transforming lives through arts
Our Story

Born in Soweto, Reaching the Nation

Step Ahead Productions was founded in January 2003 in the heart of Soweto, driven by a vision to use arts and culture as tools for community transformation. What began as a small theatre group has grown into a multifaceted arts organization that has touched lives across all nine provinces of South Africa.

As a registered Non-Profit Organisation (065-854-NPO), we believe in the power of creative expression to uplift, educate, and inspire. From gumboot dancing to industrial theatre, from music production to community development β€” we are the bridge between raw talent and professional opportunity.

🎭Theatre & Drama
🎡Music Production
πŸ’ƒDance & Movement
🀝Community Dev
What We Do

Creating Through Every Art Form

From the recording studio to the stage, from community halls to national festivals β€” we bring creative vision to life.

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Music Production & Studio

Professional studio recording, mixing, and production. We nurture musical talent from raw demos to polished releases.

🎸

Music Instrument Lessons

Learn guitar, drums, keyboard, bass and more from experienced musicians. All ages and skill levels welcome.

🎭

Drama Productions

Industrial theatre, educational drama, stage productions, and theatrical performances that move hearts and change minds.

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Dance Productions

Traditional, gumboot, and modern dance. We preserve cultural heritage while pushing creative boundaries.

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Cultural Exchange

Building bridges across cultures through art. Our exchange programmes connect South African artists with the global community.

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Event Production

Full-scale event management from concept to execution. Festivals, corporate events, community gatherings, and celebrations.

🎨

Workshops & Training

Dance workshops, drama masterclasses, art exhibitions, and skills development programmes for youth and communities.

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Merchandise & Concept Store

Personalized t-shirts, caps, and our Don't Tatazel concept store β€” a platform for emerging artists to sell their work.

Our Portfolio

Stories We've Brought to Life

Over two decades of productions, festivals, and programmes that have shaped the South African arts landscape.

True Reflection of Art Festival
Festival
2011–2015

True Reflection of Art Festival

A multi-year festival celebrating the diverse artistic expressions of South African communities, featuring dance, theatre, music, and visual arts.

Step in the Right Direction
Theatre
National Tour

Step in the Right Direction

Theatre education programme that toured all 9 provinces of South Africa, using drama as a tool for youth empowerment and social change.

EPWP Employment Programme
Community
2021–2022

EPWP Employment Programme

In partnership with IDT and Public Works, we employed 242 participants in community development through arts-based programmes.

Don't Tatazel Concept Store
Retail
2022

Don't Tatazel Concept Store

A creative marketplace and concept store launched to provide emerging artists a platform to showcase and sell their work.

Kasi Rap Festival
Music
Annual

Kasi Rap Festival

Celebrating hip-hop culture in the townships, featuring local rappers, DJs, and producers, giving a stage to underground talent.

Correctional Services Workshops
Outreach
Ongoing

Correctional Services Workshops

Using theatre and arts therapy in correctional facilities, helping inmates find expression, healing, and rehabilitation through creativity.

Our Stage Productions

Woza MfundoDumping PlaceMemory BoxTrain SurfingAmalahle Ka BrendaThe ChairBeauty and The Beast
Our Impact

Changing Lives Through Creative Arts

0+
Jobs Created (EPWP)
0
Provinces Reached
0+
Years of Impact
0+
Stage Productions
🎭

Theatre Practitioners

Professional development and employment for actors, directors, and stage crew.

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Youth & Kids

After-school programmes, workshops, and mentorship keeping young people engaged.

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Vulnerable Communities

Empowering vulnerable women and men through skills development and employment.

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Environment & Economy

Community cleaning campaigns and economic development through creative enterprise.

The Collective

The People Behind the Art

A dedicated team of artists, administrators, and dreamers working together to make a difference.

Sonwabile William Mafumbu
Founder

Sonwabile William Mafumbu

Artistic Director & Founder

Visionary leader who founded Step Ahead Productions in 2003. Passionate about using arts to transform communities. Under his leadership, Step Ahead Productions has grown from a small Soweto initiative into a nationally recognized arts organization that has created opportunities for hundreds of young people.

VisionaryLeaderArtist
Mompati Promice Ngwenya

Mompati Promice Ngwenya

Art Director & Programme Coordinator

Creative force behind our visual identity and programme coordination. Brings artistic concepts to life across all projects.

Sibusiso Mthombeni

Sibusiso Mthombeni

Production (Music)

Our music maestro who oversees all studio productions, bringing fresh sounds and nurturing musical talent.

Nosipho Myeni

Nosipho Myeni

Treasurer, Production & Management

Multi-talented powerhouse managing finances, production logistics, and day-to-day organizational operations.

Sihle Mbatha

Sihle Mbatha

Secretary

Keeps the organization running smoothly, managing communications and administrative excellence.

Get In Touch

Let's Create Together

Whether you want to collaborate, book us for an event, or join our community β€” we'd love to hear from you.

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Visit Us

1019, Cnr Buthelezi and Njongo STR,
Zola North, Soweto, 1868,
Gauteng Province, South Africa

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Call Us

072 507 0619 (Sonwabile)
071 348 1286 (Promice)

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