When the Venda‑language film Lubunyu won the Best African Film Award at the World Film Festival in Cannes in France in April 2025, it marked a seismic moment for South African cinema, rural storytelling and cultural representation on the global stage.
Shot in Ha‑Khakhu Makuleni in Limpopo, the film’s title translates as “The Naked Intruder” and its bold, culturally rooted storytelling captivated international juries, beating strong contenders such as Nigeria’s My Father’s Shadow to the prize.
At the heart of that triumph is Murendeni Ramunenyiwa — known professionally as Murendeni AfreeCa or Mr AfreeCa — a multidisciplinary creative whose work spans film, television, music, education and community development. His involvement in Lubunyu brought global recognition not just to his craft but to Venda culture and narrative sovereignty, reinforcing his belief that stories from rural communities can resonate universally.
Ramunenyiwa’s journey began in Vhufuli village, nurtured by a rich oral tradition. He credits his great‑grandmother, Gugu Vho‑Mapula Makoale, for instilling in him an understanding of narrative as a source of memory and healing. His upbringing in Tshisaulu under the guidance of his late grandmother, Vho‑Tshinakaho Phillistus Ramaliba‑Mugivhi — a pioneering nurse and community builder — added discipline, service and spiritual grounding to his creative foundation.
His earliest performances were in church dramas at Tshisaulu Lutheran Church. At Maneledzi High School in Tshiozwi, Ha‑Sinthumule, he joined the drama society and took on a defining role portraying Steve Biko in Cry Freedom, an experience that deepened his political awareness. He went on to serve as president of the school’s Student Representative Council.
Encouraged by his mother, Rudzani Ramunenyiwa — a schoolteacher and radio drama actress — he began auditioning for radio work. Radio Venda commissioned him for jingles, advertisements and dramas, including Midzimu I a hana and Biko li liwa nga mune walo, sharpening his command of voice, language and sound storytelling.
Ramunenyiwa formalised his training at Wits University, completing a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts Honours degree focused on film and television. He describes this phase as translating inherited wisdom into contemporary craft.
Today he is focused on building sustainable creative ecosystems, mentorship‑driven productions and culturally grounded storytelling. His message to up‑and‑coming Venda creatives is emphatic: build your voice, protect your roots and recognise that authentic local stories have universal power.