Melinda Pakati
Playwright / Stage Manager / Director / Production Assistant / Artist Manager / Certified Journalist
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About
Certified journalist, playwright, and dedicated theatre/live event professional with cross-functional experience in writing, stage management, production, directing, and artist management from 2021 to 2026. Award-winning playwright recognised as Best New Playwright 2021 at DUT. Proven track record supporting large-scale productions including awards shows, festivals, fashion shows, and theatrical plays.
Skilled in script development, cast/crew coordination, backstage operations, publicity, and media preparation. Extensive experience managing artists for radio and television interviews — drafting interview questions for both artists and interviewers when not supplied by stations, briefing talent, and liaising directly with radio/TV producers. Brings strong creative leadership from directing and playwriting, backed by journalistic training and a deep love for writing, art and television production.
Energetic, inquisitive, fast learner and very hands-on.
Experience
DIRECTOR, THEATRE PRODUCTION - DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
(2025-05 - 2025-08)
Directed the play Umlambo from pre-production through to final performance. Managed cast, crew, and creative vision for the production from May to August 2025.
ASSISTANT MANAGER / ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER / STAGE MANAGER / DIRECTOR - SIYANDA MWANDLWA PRODUCTIONS
(2024 - 2026)
Supported production and project management across live shows and stage work. Roles included assistant manager, assistant project manager, stage manager, and director from 2024 to 2026.
- Runner Awards – October 2025 | Stage Manager, Assistant Project Manager
- SEDFA Fashion Show – March 2026 | Stage Manager, Assistant Project Manager
- Kwande Festival – March 2026 | Stage Manager, Assistant Project Manager
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT / ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER / ARTIST MANAGER - CROWN GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS
(2022 - 2026)
Supported large-scale awards production across multiple cycles. Managed artists for publicity, including prep for radio and television interviews. Drafted interview questions for both artists and interviewers when not supplied by stations, briefed talent, and liaised directly with radio/TV producers to manage communications. Also handled artist management, interview coordination, and administrative office work.
PERFORMER, THEATRE PRODUCTION - WORLD GOSPEL POWERHOUSE
(2022-02 - 2022-04)
Performed in the production Maria the Musical during the Easter season. Role included rehearsals and live performances from February to April 2022.
STAGE MANAGER, PERFORMING ARTS - THEATRE PRODUCTION
(2021 - 2021)
Served as Stage Manager for the show Brutus, directed by Mr S Msibi. Managed backstage operations, cast calls, and technical coordination for the theatre production in 2021.
Education
National Diploma - Drama - Durban University of Technology (2022-01-14)
National Certificate - Journalism - MICT SETA (2021-06-01)
