Loading...
OUR TEAM
OUR OFFICE
NADINE MCKENZIE
(Co-Founder & Artistic Director)
Nadine McKenzie is a distinguished performing artist and cultural leader based in Cape Town, South Africa. As the Artistic Director and co-founder of the Unmute Dance Company, she has made significant contributions to inclusive dance and the broader performing arts landscape. A trained integrated dance teacher and performer in a wheelchair, McKenzie began her professional career in 2006 with Remix Dance Company, touring nationally and internationally. In 2010, she became South Africa’s first qualified inclusive dance teacher after completing the DanceAbility teacher training with Alito Alessi at ImpulsTanz in Vienna.
Her accolades include nominations and awards that recognize her impact in the arts and advocacy for disability inclusion. These include the Imbokodo Award (2013), Tribute Award in Arts and Culture (2013), Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans (2013), and the Imagine Award in the Disability Category (2018). McKenzie’s choreographic and performance credits include Unmute, Trapped, SOLD, Breaking Borders, Ashed, Access Me, Access Denied, Beautyfull, Bluebeard, Time-lapse, Listen to my Hands, Don’t Label Me, What We Can Do Together, Longitude of Silence and One at a time among many more of which have toured to over 10 countries.
Beyond her performance work, McKenzie is the co-curator of South Africa’s first inclusive arts festival, the ArtsAbility Festival, founded in 2014. In 2022, she further expanded her influence by graduating as a Cultural Producer from Business and Arts South Africa’s Cultural Producers Program. Her expertise spans performance, choreography, teaching, project management, and festival curation. Nadine McKenzie continues to be a leading voice in advocating for access, representation, and artistic excellence within inclusive and integrated dance.
VIOLET MARTIN
(Offce Manager)
Violet Martin has a deep love for theatre and for people. She is a trans woman and a passionate advocate for inclusivity, accessibility, and meaningful support within the creative sphere.
Although she is new to the Unmute team, she has already found a strong sense of belonging and is thoroughly enjoying being part of the organisation.
Her journey began on stage, performing in local theatre productions, before she went on to study at the Waterfront Theatre School.
Violet later transitioned into the corporate sector, where she discovered a strong passion for education, eventually leading the Culture portfolio at several schools.
With a genuine heart for people, Violet is deeply committed to creating spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive, develop, and reach their dreams. She brings warmth, creativity, and care into every aspect of her work.
ANDILE VELLEM
(Co-Founder, Resident Choreographer & Performer)
Born and raised in Qumbu in the Eastern Cape, this performer was born a hearing person, at the age of 5 he suffered from a disease called mumps that took his hearing. Vellem began dancing at an early age inspired by his parents who were ballroom dancers, he started watching and coping Michael Jackson’s movements and entertained people in the community, Schools and even at the Churches.
Vellem’s professional development began in 1999/2000 at the Open Air School Hall in Durban; he later joined Tshwaragano – In-Touch Integrated Dance Project in 200/2001. His training includes Acting, Contemporary dance, Contact Improvisation, Improvisation. In the year 2000, he was introduced to Adam Benjamin, who was an artistic director of a well know integrated dance company in UK at that time. Adam choreographed “Querist’s Quire”, a production that involved performers on a wheelchair which was performed at The Dance Umbrella in Johannesburg, Artscape in Cape Town and The Royal Festival Hall in London UK. It is during this process where he developed more understanding, knowledge and passion for integrated works. In 2005 he worked as a full time performer at Remix Dance Company, here he got a platform to learn, work and collaborate in various production that toured nationally and internationally by different Choreographers/Directors; this includes works by Hellen Kaz (USA), Ina Mogane, Adam Benjamin, Mpho Mselela, Jay Pather , Jacqueline Dommisse and Tossie Van Tonder, Jaco Bouwer, Gerda Konig (Germany), Malcolm Black, Neo Moyanga and Ina Mogane, David Toole and Lucy Hinds (UK), Faniswa Yisa, Sharon M Watson and Mark Store (UK).Vellem has taught and lead workshops in different schools and colleges in the Western Cape and KZN, collaborated main streams schools and schools with special needs. He also collaborated with different artists, leading workshops at different schools and universities in America. He is one of the founder members of Mixibility Network of all the integrated dance companies.
Vellem has performed in company works namely Ashed, Trapped, SOLD, Dark Cells, Time-lapse,Listen To My Hands, to name a few. He’s also co-created works such as Jazzart and Unmute’s Ufundo with Mziyanda Mancam, Longitude of Silence with Lliane Loots and Flatfoot as well as the company production titled Unmute which was choreographed by Vellem himself.
Vellem is currently the Resident Choreographer and Dance Teacher for an Integrated Dance Company that he co-founded in 2013 (Unmute Dance Company); and Artistic Coordinators for Unmute ArtsAbility Festival. His recent Choreography “Unmute” has won him a Standard Bank Ovation award 2015 at the National Arts Festival. As a performer who is deaf, he continues to reach the community by teaching Sign Language and Sign Dance Technique (Dance Technique that he created) in Schools.
TAMEKA PETERSEN
(Outreach Coordinator)
Tameka Petersen is a performer and dance facilitator based in Cape Town. She recently completed her honours in Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town, where she was awarded the Jasmine Honore Dance Educators Cup in recognition of her achievement in dance education. Throughout her years at the institution, Tameka performed in theatre, dance and interdisciplinary productions at festivals and educational institutions. She enjoys collaborating with artists from diverse disciplines and creating work that fosters connection, curiosity and meaningful engagement. Alongside her performance stream, Tameka has facilitated movement workshops with children, university students and community groups from South African as well as collaboratively with colleagues from Uganda and Wales. Her perspective on teaching is centred on creating accessible, inclusive spaces where participants can safely explore their creativity through movement. Tameka hopes to continue the development of her research that bridges dance, education and inclusive artistic practice.
SASHA FOURIE
(Performer & Education Manager)
Sasha Fourie is a South African artist with a career of almost two decades, engaged in a multifaceted practice spanning mainly across movement, choreography, dance, theatre and cinematography. She holds a Diploma in Dance Education and BA Honours in Dance both obtained from UCT Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies. In addition, she is an internationally certified yoga instructor.
Sasha has danced professionally with esteemed companies and artists in South Africa while developing my own choreographic works. Her teaching and education experience spans from scholars to professionals. She has been commissioned to perform and create many works and short films. Her short films have been screened locally and internationally and won awards. During her time living in Asia, she worked in the dance industry and studied cinematography, expanding her artistic capabilities. Sasha shares stories of her disability and advocates for more spaces for women of colour, specifically in leadership within the dance sector, as it is lacking across South Africa. Sasha has also been a selected panelist for festival discussions and conferences discussing topics such as creating digital footprints within the arts, the body as an archive, choreographic methodology, accessibility and consent to name a few.
Currently, alongside her work with Unmute Dance Theatre, Sasha continues to pursue her solo career and choreographic projects, expanding her artistic horizons through the study of Argentine Tango.
CANDICE JANSEN
(PR Consultant)
Heads Up Communications is a results-driven PR and marketing consultancy that transforms powerful stories into measurable impact.
Founded in 2007 by strategic communications leader Candice Jansen, the agency has grown from a boutique start-up into a trusted partner delivering multimillion-rand media value for corporates, brands, and non-profits across South Africa.
With expertise spanning PR, media relations, brand strategy, and marketing management, Heads Up combines bold creativity with precision execution. Known for its strong industry relationships and purpose-driven approach, the agency provides integrated 360° communications solutions that connect vision with performance.
18+ years of excellence. Strategic storytelling. Real results.
LWETHU MADILIKI
(Social Media & Marketing Person)
Lwethu Madliki is a Digital Marketing and Social Work graduate born in King Williams Town, Eastern Cape. Lwethu has a passion for strategic communication, content creation, and connecting brands to their audiences. Lwethu’s background in social work informs a people- centred, ethical and socially conscious approach to digital Marketing.
In their current role, Lwethu supports digital marketing initiatives through social media management, content development, content planning, and basic performance analysis. They enjoy translating brand messages into compelling digital stories that resonate with diverse audiences across multiple platforms.
With training in social work, Lwethu brings strong communication skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of community dynamics into their work. They are particularly interested in purpose-driven brands, nonprofit organisations, and creative projects that aim to inform, inspire, and create impact.
Lwethu is motivated by continuous learning and professional development and is eager and excited to build a career at the intersection of marketing, creativity, and social impact. They thrive on collaborative environments and are committed to contributing thoughtful, value-driven digital marketing strategies.
(Co-Founder & Artistic Director)
Nadine McKenzie is a distinguished performing artist and cultural leader based in Cape Town, South Africa. As the Artistic Director and co-founder of the Unmute Dance Company, she has made significant contributions to inclusive dance and the broader performing arts landscape. A trained integrated dance teacher and performer in a wheelchair, McKenzie began her professional career in 2006 with Remix Dance Company, touring nationally and internationally. In 2010, she became South Africa’s first qualified inclusive dance teacher after completing the DanceAbility teacher training with Alito Alessi at ImpulsTanz in Vienna.
Her accolades include nominations and awards that recognize her impact in the arts and advocacy for disability inclusion. These include the Imbokodo Award (2013), Tribute Award in Arts and Culture (2013), Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans (2013), and the Imagine Award in the Disability Category (2018). McKenzie’s choreographic and performance credits include Unmute, Trapped, SOLD, Breaking Borders, Ashed, Access Me, Access Denied, Beautyfull, Bluebeard, Time-lapse, Listen to my Hands, Don’t Label Me, What We Can Do Together, Longitude of Silence and One at a time among many more of which have toured to over 10 countries.
Beyond her performance work, McKenzie is the co-curator of South Africa’s first inclusive arts festival, the ArtsAbility Festival, founded in 2014. In 2022, she further expanded her influence by graduating as a Cultural Producer from Business and Arts South Africa’s Cultural Producers Program. Her expertise spans performance, choreography, teaching, project management, and festival curation. Nadine McKenzie continues to be a leading voice in advocating for access, representation, and artistic excellence within inclusive and integrated dance.
VIOLET MARTIN
(Offce Manager)
Violet Martin has a deep love for theatre and for people. She is a trans woman and a passionate advocate for inclusivity, accessibility, and meaningful support within the creative sphere.
Although she is new to the Unmute team, she has already found a strong sense of belonging and is thoroughly enjoying being part of the organisation.
Her journey began on stage, performing in local theatre productions, before she went on to study at the Waterfront Theatre School.
Violet later transitioned into the corporate sector, where she discovered a strong passion for education, eventually leading the Culture portfolio at several schools.
With a genuine heart for people, Violet is deeply committed to creating spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive, develop, and reach their dreams. She brings warmth, creativity, and care into every aspect of her work.
ANDILE VELLEM
(Co-Founder, Resident Choreographer & Performer)
Born and raised in Qumbu in the Eastern Cape, this performer was born a hearing person, at the age of 5 he suffered from a disease called mumps that took his hearing. Vellem began dancing at an early age inspired by his parents who were ballroom dancers, he started watching and coping Michael Jackson’s movements and entertained people in the community, Schools and even at the Churches.
Vellem’s professional development began in 1999/2000 at the Open Air School Hall in Durban; he later joined Tshwaragano – In-Touch Integrated Dance Project in 200/2001. His training includes Acting, Contemporary dance, Contact Improvisation, Improvisation. In the year 2000, he was introduced to Adam Benjamin, who was an artistic director of a well know integrated dance company in UK at that time. Adam choreographed “Querist’s Quire”, a production that involved performers on a wheelchair which was performed at The Dance Umbrella in Johannesburg, Artscape in Cape Town and The Royal Festival Hall in London UK. It is during this process where he developed more understanding, knowledge and passion for integrated works. In 2005 he worked as a full time performer at Remix Dance Company, here he got a platform to learn, work and collaborate in various production that toured nationally and internationally by different Choreographers/Directors; this includes works by Hellen Kaz (USA), Ina Mogane, Adam Benjamin, Mpho Mselela, Jay Pather , Jacqueline Dommisse and Tossie Van Tonder, Jaco Bouwer, Gerda Konig (Germany), Malcolm Black, Neo Moyanga and Ina Mogane, David Toole and Lucy Hinds (UK), Faniswa Yisa, Sharon M Watson and Mark Store (UK).Vellem has taught and lead workshops in different schools and colleges in the Western Cape and KZN, collaborated main streams schools and schools with special needs. He also collaborated with different artists, leading workshops at different schools and universities in America. He is one of the founder members of Mixibility Network of all the integrated dance companies.
Vellem has performed in company works namely Ashed, Trapped, SOLD, Dark Cells, Time-lapse,Listen To My Hands, to name a few. He’s also co-created works such as Jazzart and Unmute’s Ufundo with Mziyanda Mancam, Longitude of Silence with Lliane Loots and Flatfoot as well as the company production titled Unmute which was choreographed by Vellem himself.
Vellem is currently the Resident Choreographer and Dance Teacher for an Integrated Dance Company that he co-founded in 2013 (Unmute Dance Company); and Artistic Coordinators for Unmute ArtsAbility Festival. His recent Choreography “Unmute” has won him a Standard Bank Ovation award 2015 at the National Arts Festival. As a performer who is deaf, he continues to reach the community by teaching Sign Language and Sign Dance Technique (Dance Technique that he created) in Schools.
TAMEKA PETERSEN
(Outreach Coordinator)
Tameka Petersen is a performer and dance facilitator based in Cape Town. She recently completed her honours in Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town, where she was awarded the Jasmine Honore Dance Educators Cup in recognition of her achievement in dance education. Throughout her years at the institution, Tameka performed in theatre, dance and interdisciplinary productions at festivals and educational institutions. She enjoys collaborating with artists from diverse disciplines and creating work that fosters connection, curiosity and meaningful engagement. Alongside her performance stream, Tameka has facilitated movement workshops with children, university students and community groups from South African as well as collaboratively with colleagues from Uganda and Wales. Her perspective on teaching is centred on creating accessible, inclusive spaces where participants can safely explore their creativity through movement. Tameka hopes to continue the development of her research that bridges dance, education and inclusive artistic practice.
SASHA FOURIE
(Performer & Education Manager)
Sasha Fourie is a South African artist with a career of almost two decades, engaged in a multifaceted practice spanning mainly across movement, choreography, dance, theatre and cinematography. She holds a Diploma in Dance Education and BA Honours in Dance both obtained from UCT Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies. In addition, she is an internationally certified yoga instructor.
Sasha has danced professionally with esteemed companies and artists in South Africa while developing my own choreographic works. Her teaching and education experience spans from scholars to professionals. She has been commissioned to perform and create many works and short films. Her short films have been screened locally and internationally and won awards. During her time living in Asia, she worked in the dance industry and studied cinematography, expanding her artistic capabilities. Sasha shares stories of her disability and advocates for more spaces for women of colour, specifically in leadership within the dance sector, as it is lacking across South Africa. Sasha has also been a selected panelist for festival discussions and conferences discussing topics such as creating digital footprints within the arts, the body as an archive, choreographic methodology, accessibility and consent to name a few.
Currently, alongside her work with Unmute Dance Theatre, Sasha continues to pursue her solo career and choreographic projects, expanding her artistic horizons through the study of Argentine Tango.
CANDICE JANSEN
(PR Consultant)
Heads Up Communications is a results-driven PR and marketing consultancy that transforms powerful stories into measurable impact.
Founded in 2007 by strategic communications leader Candice Jansen, the agency has grown from a boutique start-up into a trusted partner delivering multimillion-rand media value for corporates, brands, and non-profits across South Africa.
With expertise spanning PR, media relations, brand strategy, and marketing management, Heads Up combines bold creativity with precision execution. Known for its strong industry relationships and purpose-driven approach, the agency provides integrated 360° communications solutions that connect vision with performance.
18+ years of excellence. Strategic storytelling. Real results.
LWETHU MADILIKI
(Social Media & Marketing Person)
Lwethu Madliki is a Digital Marketing and Social Work graduate born in King Williams Town, Eastern Cape. Lwethu has a passion for strategic communication, content creation, and connecting brands to their audiences. Lwethu’s background in social work informs a people- centred, ethical and socially conscious approach to digital Marketing.
In their current role, Lwethu supports digital marketing initiatives through social media management, content development, content planning, and basic performance analysis. They enjoy translating brand messages into compelling digital stories that resonate with diverse audiences across multiple platforms.
With training in social work, Lwethu brings strong communication skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of community dynamics into their work. They are particularly interested in purpose-driven brands, nonprofit organisations, and creative projects that aim to inform, inspire, and create impact.
Lwethu is motivated by continuous learning and professional development and is eager and excited to build a career at the intersection of marketing, creativity, and social impact. They thrive on collaborative environments and are committed to contributing thoughtful, value-driven digital marketing strategies.
OUR DIRECTORS
MELANIE DANIELS
(Chairperson)
Melanie Daniels is an experienced leader and community development professional based in Cape Town. She currently serves as CEO of Uniq Foundation and brings a strong background in social impact, stakeholder engagement and community empowerment. With extensive experience in building strategic partnerships, leading community-focused initiatives, and driving sustainable development programmes, she offers valuable insight into scaling impact and strengthening organisational reach. Her leadership, networks, and commitment to inclusive development make her a highly valuable addition to the Unmute Dance Company board, particularly in advancing its mission of social change through the arts.
ARIFA PARKAR
(Director)
Arifa Parkar is a seasoned business leader and community advocate, currently serving as CEO of the Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum (WECBOF) and Deputy Chairperson of Business Western Cape. With a background in economics, law and management, she brings strong experience in entrepreneurship development, mentorship and stakeholder engagement, alongside a solid track record in civic leadership and community upliftment. Her strategic insight, governance experience, and extensive networks make her a valuable addition to the Unmute Dance Company board, particularly in strengthening partnerships and long-term sustainability.
ANGELA MIAS
(Director)
Angela Mias is an education and community-based learning specialist with over 25 years of experience in the higher education and skills development sector. She is the founder of the Angela Mias Education Network (AMEN) and co-founder of Ulwazi Africa. She has recently authored a powerful memoir, Are We Not Worthy – Yet the Soil Remembers, which explores themes of land, identity, and justice in South Africa. Her extensive experience in education, social development, and systems thinking, combined with her commitment to inclusive learning and community empowerment, makes her a highly valuable addition to the Unmute Dance Company board.
(Chairperson)
Melanie Daniels is an experienced leader and community development professional based in Cape Town. She currently serves as CEO of Uniq Foundation and brings a strong background in social impact, stakeholder engagement and community empowerment. With extensive experience in building strategic partnerships, leading community-focused initiatives, and driving sustainable development programmes, she offers valuable insight into scaling impact and strengthening organisational reach. Her leadership, networks, and commitment to inclusive development make her a highly valuable addition to the Unmute Dance Company board, particularly in advancing its mission of social change through the arts.
ARIFA PARKAR
(Director)
Arifa Parkar is a seasoned business leader and community advocate, currently serving as CEO of the Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum (WECBOF) and Deputy Chairperson of Business Western Cape. With a background in economics, law and management, she brings strong experience in entrepreneurship development, mentorship and stakeholder engagement, alongside a solid track record in civic leadership and community upliftment. Her strategic insight, governance experience, and extensive networks make her a valuable addition to the Unmute Dance Company board, particularly in strengthening partnerships and long-term sustainability.
ANGELA MIAS
(Director)
Angela Mias is an education and community-based learning specialist with over 25 years of experience in the higher education and skills development sector. She is the founder of the Angela Mias Education Network (AMEN) and co-founder of Ulwazi Africa. She has recently authored a powerful memoir, Are We Not Worthy – Yet the Soil Remembers, which explores themes of land, identity, and justice in South Africa. Her extensive experience in education, social development, and systems thinking, combined with her commitment to inclusive learning and community empowerment, makes her a highly valuable addition to the Unmute Dance Company board.
MEMORIALS
THEMBA MBULI
2016 Standard Bank Young artist Award Recipient, Themba Mbuli received his formal training at Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM) in 2007. He joined Inzalo Dance Theatre Company as a trainee performer under Moeketsi Koena in 2008. In 2009, he was accepted back at MIDM As a dancer, teacher and choreographer. Mbuli’s first ensemble creation Dark City won the Pick of the Fringe award at the FNB Dance Umbrella festival in 2010.
In 2011 Mbuli joined Theatre Talipot Company in Reunion Island as a principle dancer. Mbuli began his solo career in 2012 with Dark Cell, performing the work nationally and internationally. Other recent works include Trapped, ASHED, Dark Cells, SOLD, Autho(r)ise and The Boat that will be premiered at the National Arts Festival 2019.
He was one of the co-founders together with Fana Tshabalala and Thulani Chauke of Broken Borders Arts Project. He also co-founded and was Associate Artistic Director for a Cape Town based Unmute Dance Theatre, formed in 2013.
ZAMA SONJICA
Sonjica was a performer on a wheelchair, receiving his training at Remix Dance Company. He has been involved in the integrated dance works since 2012 and performed in works by internationally acclaimed Directors/Choreographers like Mandla Mbothwe, Jori Snell etc. Apart from his performing skill, Sonjica was also a designer and create costumes and did screen-printing.
2016 Standard Bank Young artist Award Recipient, Themba Mbuli received his formal training at Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM) in 2007. He joined Inzalo Dance Theatre Company as a trainee performer under Moeketsi Koena in 2008. In 2009, he was accepted back at MIDM As a dancer, teacher and choreographer. Mbuli’s first ensemble creation Dark City won the Pick of the Fringe award at the FNB Dance Umbrella festival in 2010.
In 2011 Mbuli joined Theatre Talipot Company in Reunion Island as a principle dancer. Mbuli began his solo career in 2012 with Dark Cell, performing the work nationally and internationally. Other recent works include Trapped, ASHED, Dark Cells, SOLD, Autho(r)ise and The Boat that will be premiered at the National Arts Festival 2019.
He was one of the co-founders together with Fana Tshabalala and Thulani Chauke of Broken Borders Arts Project. He also co-founded and was Associate Artistic Director for a Cape Town based Unmute Dance Theatre, formed in 2013.
ZAMA SONJICA
Sonjica was a performer on a wheelchair, receiving his training at Remix Dance Company. He has been involved in the integrated dance works since 2012 and performed in works by internationally acclaimed Directors/Choreographers like Mandla Mbothwe, Jori Snell etc. Apart from his performing skill, Sonjica was also a designer and create costumes and did screen-printing.