Stephina Zwane Groenewald, Asking Better Questions Of Our Histories

Joburg‑born filmmaker Stephina Zwane Groenewald grew up in the inner city, learning to read the rough edges of Hillbrow and Joubert Park as closely as she read poetry and history. In this conversation, she talks to Kojo Baffoe about child TV fame on Craz-E, finding her voice behind the camera, and how Sorele Media’s films like Baby Mamas and Love, Sex and 30 Candles centre everyday African lives with heart, humour and honesty.

Stephina reflects on language, identity and schooling, questioning why Shakespeare still dominates South African classrooms and what it means to ask better questions of our histories instead of accepting the stories we’re handed. She unpacks non‑judgement learned in Joubert Park’s melting pot of people, making films from family experiences, navigating friendship and business with Salamina Mosese, and slowing down for motherhood without abandoning the stories living in her head.

If you care about African storytelling, representation of women on screen, and what it looks like to redefine success around family, community and creative integrity, this episode is for you.

Listen, follow and share Listen To Your Footsteps with someone who is also trying to ask better questions of their own histories. Leave a review on Spotify or your favourite podcast app so more listeners can find African stories like this.

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