Refiloe Lepere always seems happy, which belies the depth of her character and talents. ‘I’m that happy person,’ she laughs infectiously, ‘you know that individual you pass by on the street and wonder: why is she so happy? That’s me.’

Well, this young writer, actress, director has a lot to be happy about.

On the Edge of the World 

Refiloe grew up in Pimville, Soweto, the second daughter of a unionist father and a teacher-cum-paramedic mother. She currently lives in Kagiso, which she describes as being at the edge of the world far from the existence of Joburg.

She graduated from WITS with honours degrees in dramatic arts and journalism. Her life is about telling stories – it is also her career and currently, between theatre assignments, she is online subeditor for Times Live, the digital home for The Times and Sunday Times newspapers.

She has co-written and acted in Money for Shoes and Talking Back (for the Steve Biko Foundation); directed Speaking in Tongues; appeared in numerous productions such as The Way to a Man’s Heart and School of Whoredom; and is involved in developmental theatre.

Believing in Happy People 

Laughter ripples from Refiloe and her voice is melodic, singing with wisdom.

This larger than life, warm person, in a minute body, believes in miracles and peace; laughter and strength. But most of all she believes in happy people (not Orlando Pirates) because with a sunny disposition you can deal with any challenge.

She reads fantasy novels and has long existential conversations with friends on the meaning of survival. Her aspiration is to get people to think right, alleviate poverty and bring hope to the hopeless.

‘Okay, I am idealist,’ she smiles. ‘I like to bring change to people’s lives, even if it’s through a small thing like talking to friends and family.’  

Something to Offer

Refiloe is in a relationship. What she looks for in a partner is someone who is generous with their personality and giving in conversation and love.

Of the creeps who have intersected with her life, she shrugs, then laughs, ‘they’re just interesting people I should never contact again. If they get too close or return after I told them please go away; I call the cops on them and they stay away – works every time. But there have been very few of those as I’ve been highly blessed to have intelligent and sensitive people around me.’

Women Empowerment 

‘Our country is a beautiful country; with amazing, happy people that dot our landscape,’ she states. ‘I desire to see a South Africa filled with young people and children who love to read and go to school. I desire to see a South Africa of equal individuals, in all things material. I see a future that is black. Where blackness is celebrated and the history and the lives of black people are accepted on their own terms.’

Refiloe also believes that women should be empowered to have control of their lives, finances and emotions. She feels society has let women get away with victimhood and consequently they remain victims and never take responsibility for situations nor see their power.