MIDDELBURG – In the vibrant town of Middelburg, where creativity and community spirit go hand in hand, Andries Sibanyoni, affectionately known as Moesha, stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for local talent.
Originally from Phumula Section, Moesha’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and a strong commitment to uplifting those around him.
His story began at Sofunda High School, where he matriculated in 2000. His path took a life-changing turn when he was discovered as a model in Pretoria, which opened doors for him to appear in popular television shows such as Scandal, and even in the international film Invictus, where he acted alongside the legendary Morgan Freeman.
Despite these successes, Moesha returned to his roots, motivated by a passion to nurture the next generation of talent.
Three years ago, he launched the Little Miss Mhluzi kiddies beauty pageant, a platform aimed at celebrating young girls’ beauty while boosting their confidence. The initiative reflects his deep commitment to creating opportunities for local youth to thrive in a supportive space.
Moesha’s most recent initiative, the Middelburg Entertainment Awards (MEA), represents a major milestone in his mission to celebrate local creatives. Despite early doubts about the credibility of the awards during its inaugural year, Moesha pushed forward with determination, securing sponsorships and rallying community support behind his vision.
The MEA is dedicated to recognising the efforts of hardworking individuals within the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, those who make a meaningful impact on daily community life.
“The entertainment industry in Middelburg is small, and when you introduce something new, people often doubt you,” Moesha said. “But I believe in local businesses, they are the backbone of our community. We must support and buy local.”
The awards cover a wide range of categories, from best taxi driver to best local business, ensuring that all forms of excellence are recognised.
Moesha draws inspiration from his idol, DJ Sbu, who he describes as a true example of philanthropy and entrepreneurship. “He has achieved so much independently and empowers people on a large scale. I see myself in him,” Moesha shared, underscoring his drive to bring positive change to his community.
As the MEA prepares for another thrilling instalment, Moesha remains optimistic. He encourages all nominees to reach out via WhatsApp for updates on the next steps. “The future is bright,” he said. “This is just the beginning of something bigger.”
In addition to the MEA, Moesha is also hosting the first-ever Mr Middelburg 2025 competition. The winner will receive a R5 000 cash prize along with other exciting rewards. Entry is free and open to Steve Tshwete residents aged 17 to 35. Entries close on 31 July 2025.
Aspiring participants can submit their name, surname, age, and a head-and-shoulders photo wearing a black T-shirt via WhatsApp to 076 875 5084.
Local businesses interested in partnering with the MEA, or community members wishing to nominate their favourite talents, can contact Andries Sibanyoni directly at 076 875 5084. More information is also available on their Facebook page, Middelburg Entertainment Awards.
