Mirranda Javu is a founder and the owner of Sizophila Productions, Publisher and Distributors (PTY)LTD. Consisting of three departments that were established within years of existence Sizophila Productions, Sizophila Publishers and Sizophila Distributors.
Mirranda is one of South African Legends an Actress, a Writer, a Director, Language adviser, a Poet, and a Musician. From 1985- Mirranda has done 20 TV drama series, 4 Documentaries, 6 adverts, and 2 movies, 8 Stage plays and in 2021 she released her music as an independent artist. She performed in various arts festival include Grahamstown Arts Festival and Singapore Arts festival. Mirranda has travelled the world and that includes, China, South Korea, Jamaica, and travelled to African countries including, Botswana, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho
Mirranda was born in the Eastern Cape, in Alice, and at the age of 17 moved to Cape Town. She has worked in the urban environment for years and made her mark in the film industry and stage theatre before she moved to Gauteng. She has developed an aspiration to focus on producing films, introducing stage theatre, music, digital skills and books publication in rural environments.
Ms Javu is convinced that the introduction of the above mentioned in the rural areas may also contribute to economic activity within the areas, generally disadvantaged communities have limited opportunities, due to a high unemployment rate.
She realized the need for skills development of new talents and expose those talents that they never thought that being an actor/actress you need not to obtain a degree but through training workshops and practical work those dreams can be fulfilled. She also believes that disadvantaged community members are assured to develop an interest in various fields of arts. These fields of arts include: acting, poetry, dancing, music, script & book writing and more. She is also convinced that the Film industry related skills are not limited to arts.
This initiative is to enhance skills and job creation to the unemployed school dropout children and to those who could not continue with their studies because of financial challenges.
Mirranda obtained her BA and Honours degree and finally her Master’s Degree in isiXhosa Translations from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) with the background of Social Sciences, majoring with Medical Anthropology. Mirranda is a qualified isiXhosa language advisor, a Translator and editor. She also has diploma in Film& Productions, Puppets and Drama & Oral History and many more.
OTHER WORK EXPERENCE & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Ms. Javu was a Radio Personality at Radio Zibonele local radio station that is based in Ilitha Park in Cape Town.
Ms Javu also worked as Script Supervisor/Continuity for “Phekesa nabangane Promo that was shot by LG Film in Eastern Cape, Zwelitsha. A Co-Producer of “Nine frontier Wars” Promo in partnership with LG Films in Peddie.
Mirranda worked as a drama Tutor at The Pulpit Youth Theatre Project at Baxter Theatre focused on Xhosa Rituals and Ceremonies and a choreographer for isiXhosa Dances. Also, a drama tutor at Kathlehong Art Center in Johannesburg.
She also worked as a Drama therapist in Schools and Shelters for homeless people in the Western Cape Province. Development of youth focused on training programmers using drama therapy to encourage involvement and active participation of Primary school youth, secondary including out of school and unemployed youth.
She has extensive experience in conducting educational & awareness training workshops on social environmental issues affecting youth in townships and informal settlements. Arrangement of dramatization of various school literature books in communities.
She facilitated various events & ensured performances using different themes for nationally and World recognized events (Youth Day, Worlds Aids day etc.)
Previously employed as a Senior Researcher by Medical Research Council at Indigenous Knowledge Systems [Health] Lead Programme
Employed as a Community Liaison officer by University of Free State at Indigenous Knowledge Systems [Health] Research Programme, Pharmacology Department, and Faculty of sciences since 2015.-2021
She translates scientific English reports and research agreements into IsiXhosa for those knowledge holders who speak IsiXhosa to be comfortable with decision making when coming into research agreements and understanding the progress of science research projects.
Ms. Javu has also published many papers and in collaboration with other writers.
Above all, she has an amazing gift from her ancestors, she is a Qualified Practicing Traditional Health Practitioner (isangoma/ igqirha) with over 30 years of practicing experience, Camagu! In between her time, she has to attend to her patients and take care of her trainees as well. Her THP experience led her to be requested to perform Repatriation Process of Spirits, that took place on March in 2013 in Robben Island.
