Entertainment

The story of Mfanelo Vicktus Masuku is one of profound transformation and unwavering resolve. Born in Matsapha, Kwaluseni, Masuku experienced a childhood anchored by a supportive father until tragedy struck in 2007.

“The loss of my father redirected the trajectory of my life, turning my early years into a period of survival,” he says.

As the eldest of seven siblings, he assumed responsibility amidst significant housing instability. His family moved frequently across the country before he eventually completed his Form V at Madzanga High School near Nkambeni. These years were defined by extreme hardship; Masuku faced chronic food insecurity and lacked basic school materials.

 “To avoid the gaze of classmates, I spent midnights collecting sugar cane that had fallen from passing trucks,” he recalls.

He resided in a dilapidated structure with broken windows and a leaking roof, yet he utilised these conditions as the foundation for a lifelong vow to never return to poverty.

Masuku’s entry into the professional world began following his high school graduation in 2016. His fascination with technology was sparked by a friend, leading him to discover Microsoft PowerPoint. While commonly used for business presentations, the software became his primary tool for creative expression.

In 2017, he enrolled at Global University College to study Information Technology. Financial barriers nearly ended his academic career, but a couple from his church intervened to cover his tuition. Before this support, Masuku demonstrated remarkable dedication by sitting under trees outside Sibayeni Lodge at night to access free Wi-Fi for his assignments. “To sustain my studies, I designed church posters at an affordable price and filmed local weddings,” he explains.

It was during this period that he made the bold declaration to become an animator, despite the absence of an established animation industry in Eswatini.

The transition from a hobbyist to a professional creator occurred in 2018 when Masuku developed Siyakhula Kids Castle. This educational series, produced entirely on PowerPoint, was broadcast on Eswatini TV between 2020 and 2021. This milestone was followed by the Christmas special Sisonkhe Kids Habits in 2021.

A pivotal moment in his career came through the guidance of Celiwe Dlamini, the Head of Commissioning at Eswatini TV, who urged him to specialise exclusively in animation.

“I appreciate her a lot,” he notes.

This focus led Masuku to expand his vision beyond technical movement toward intellectual property development and global storytelling. He has since transitioned to industry-standard software, elevating the quality of his productions to meet international benchmarks.

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Mfanelo Vicktus Masuku.