Neo Mothae

Neo Iman Mothae is an award-winning South African writer, producer, actress and filmmaker from Durban, KwaZulu Natal. A graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand with an Honours degree in Dramatic Arts, she has built a multifaceted career creating compelling stories for film and television while establishing herself as one of South Africa’s emerging creative voices. As a television writer, Neo has contributed to some of the country’s most watched productions, including Uzalo on SABC 1 and Genesis on Mzansi Magic, where she developed emotionally driven stories for daily audiences. Her work is recognised for its authentic characters, grounded social themes and distinctly South African perspective. In 2026, Neo served as Writer and Executive Producer on the feature film Themba, which is currently selected in competition at the Durban International Film Festival. The film previously received nominations for Best Feature Film and Best Screenplay at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards, with lead actor Ntando Mncube winning Best Actor for his performance. Continuing her work in independent cinema, Neo completed Quotidian, an NFVF PESP funded short film in 2026. The project further demonstrates her commitment to telling intimate, socially resonant stories that explore contemporary South African life through bold and authentic storytelling. Earlier in her career, Neo wrote and produced the award-winning short film Maverick, which won Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Screenplay and the Audience Choice Award at the 48 Hour Film Project Durban. Maverick again won Best Short Film at the Pan African Youths Film and Arts Festival in Lagos, Nigeria before going on to screen and be nominated for best short film at the Durban International Film Festival, Serbest International Film Festival in Moldova, Eastern Europe, 9th Sotambe Festival in Zambia and the Garden Route International Film Festival amongst others. The film established her as an exciting new filmmaking talent, earning recognition both locally and internationally and laying the foundation for her continued success as a writer and producer. Alongside her work behind the camera, Neo continues to enjoy a successful acting career with notable performances as a lead on e.tv’s daily telenovela Nikiwe as Philisiwe Dlamini / MaDlamini, Queen Fudukazi in the acclaimed historical drama Shaka iLembe, Slie in Netflix’s Umjolo, and Nomsa Phakade in Mzansi Magic’s Code 13. As the co-founder of Worldzastage Productions, Neo continues to develop original film and television projects that amplify South African voices while championing stories rooted in KwaZulu Natal and the broader African experience. She is passionate about creating meaningful, commercially engaging content that resonates with audiences both locally and internationally.