Klerksdorp Student Lands Role on Popular TV Drama

Leshané Chatwind, a young student from the Klerksdorp area, has secured a role on the popular Afrikaans television drama Diepe Waters.

Image : Facebook Leshane Chatwind 

She made her first appearance on 2 September as Mandy van Niekerk, a therapist in the series’ fictional setting of Boskruin. This achievement not only marks a milestone in Chatwind’s budding acting career but also highlights the potential of talented youth emerging from the local community.

A Breakthrough in a National Telenovela

For Chatwind, the opportunity to join Diepe Waters came after numerous auditions and persistent effort. She received an unexpected casting call earlier this year inviting her to portray the energetic character of Mandy after having auditioned for the telenovela multiple times without success.

Embracing the chance, she is now thoroughly enjoying bringing the role to life. In fact, her family has become avid Diepe Waters viewers to follow her appearances on screen (northwestnewspapers.co.za), reflecting a shared excitement in her success.

This television breakthrough follows Chatwind’s earlier introduction to acting on a larger platform. In 2022, while still a teenager, she made her first on-screen appearance with a small part in the Netflix series Ludik.

However, landing a character in a nationally broadcast telenovela is a far more prominent achievement, giving the young actress widespread exposure. Diepe Waters is a widely watched Afrikaans drama on the kykNET network (northwestnewspapers.co.za), so Chatwind’s new role places her in front of audiences across the country - an accomplishment that could open doors to future roles and opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Balancing Academics and Acting

Despite her television commitments, Chatwind has remained dedicated to her education. She is currently a second-year pharmacy student at North-West University (NWU), excelling in a rigorous academic program even as she pursues her acting ambitions.

Her scholastic achievements have earned her membership in the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society, an honor given for exceptional academic performance.

She also serves as a class representative for her cohort of second-year students (northwestnewspapers.co.za), demonstrating leadership and commitment in her university community.

Juggling a demanding university course and an acting role on television requires discipline and effective time management. The Diepe Waters production is filmed in Johannesburg, which means Chatwind must coordinate travel for shoots alongside her class schedule.

Her ability to balance both responsibilities highlights a strong work ethic and passion; managing to excel in her studies while seizing a rare opportunity in the performing arts.

Family Support and Local Pride

Chatwind’s accomplishments have become a source of pride for her family and the wider Klerksdorp community. Her parents, Oskin and Angelique, are reportedly bursting with pride at their eldest child’s success.

The family’s support has been steadfast; her younger brother, Oskin Jr., still in primary school, is said to be his sister’s biggest admirer and now never misses an episode of her show.

Chatwind is also an alumna of Klerksdorp High School, underscoring that her roots are firmly in the local area (northwestnewspapers.co.za). Her journey from local student to national TV screens has been celebrated by those who have watched her grow.

Inspiring Young Local Talent

The significance of Chatwind’s achievement extends beyond her personal success. As a young performer from a smaller city stepping into a national spotlight, she sends a powerful message to other aspiring actors and students in the region.

Her story demonstrates that with talent, persistence, and community support, even individuals far from the traditional entertainment hubs can make their mark on a big stage.

This milestone for a Klerksdorp student is inspiring many in the area, encouraging the next generation of local talent to pursue their dreams, whether in the arts, academics, or any field where they can shine.