Ndivhuwo Khadziani (20) from Malamulele – better known by his stage name of Skeem Mafenya – is fast becoming a household name on the local comedy scene.
The rising comedian, master of ceremonies and singer is known for his catchy phrases, memorable characters and relatable humour that have won hearts across villages and provinces.
His short, energetic videos are lighting up social media, earning him a loyal and fast-growing fanbase. As of May, Skeem Mafenya boasts nearly 200,000 followers on Facebook and 308,000 likes on TikTok, with some of his videos attracting more than 3.5 million views.
Drawing inspiration from local languages, township life and shared social experiences, his content resonates deeply with fans. "I started early last year after performing at a local church talent show. I won the hearts of the crowd with my humour. That's where it all began," he recalls.
From there, he began acting and working as an MC, bringing energy and engagement to community events. Soon, bookings started rolling in. Around the same time, he ventured into lekompo music, and several of his tracks are now gaining traction – most notably his standout song, Rivonia.
He has even earned praise from fellow entertainers, including renowned Xitsonga musician Solly Makamu of the Mafenya Brothers.
"My comedy is about what we live, what we see, what we speak. I didn't have a camera at first, so I used my phone and that didn't stop me. You don't need fancy equipment or a big budget – just your phone, your environment and your voice," he said.
Inspired by his role model, Skeem Noa, Skeem Mafenya has turned his passion into a livelihood. He now hopes to motivate other young people in rural and township communities to believe in their talents.
"My dream is to go international and work with veterans in the industry."