KAAPcast Media: Shines Light on Cape Town’s Creative Voices

Sivenathi Mona, a young journalist with a purpose, from East London to the vibrant creative scene of Cape Town. Currently studying journalism at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), he is one of the founders of KAAPcast Media. This burgeoning digital platform amplifies the voices of emerging artists and creatives throughout South Africa.

KAAPcast crew

Mona reflects that his passion for journalism started at a young age. “I’ve always enjoyed watching TV and entertainment shows,” he says. “Many people think journalism is solely about hard news and politics, but I wanted to focus on creativity, the arts, culture, and pop culture.” This vision laid the groundwork for KAAPcast Media, a platform he co-founded in 2024 with his university friends Sonwabile Luthango and Kwakha Khumalo.

Mona explains that the goal is to highlight the creative scene in Cape Town, South Africa, and beyond. The trio's mission is to bring attention to young talents who may not yet have received the recognition they deserve. "We put them in the spotlight so that people can understand their backgrounds, support their work, and appreciate their stories," he adds.

Sivenathi Mona

KAAPcast has released 22 episodes since its launch, covering a range of topics from fashion and music to modeling and film. One of the standout moments was an interview with Ebraheem Davids, the founder of Eben Supply and Eben Studios, a local clothing brand. “That episode laid the foundation for what we were aiming to accomplish,” Mona says. “He was the first person who gave us the opportunity to practice what we were preaching.”

Despite their achievements, the team encounters challenges, particularly regarding resources. Their most significant struggle has been the costs of equipment and studio space. “As students, it’s not easy, but we make the most of what we have.” Nonetheless, their determination propels them forward. 

KAAPcast connects with its audience through Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, frequently engaging directly with followers and participating in creative events throughout Cape Town. One notable event, Pretty Girls Like Film, focused on empowering women in film production—an initiative the team was proud to cover.

As the creative director and podcast host of KAAPcast, Sonwabile Luthango ensures that the team remains authentic and true to their vision. "As the creative director, I make sure that what we produce is something we would also want to watch, something we can be proud of," he explains. "We aim for authenticity and creativity by having fun while doing our work."

Luthango emphasizes that authenticity begins with staying true to KAAPcast’s original vision: creating a space that feels real, relatable, and grounded in honest conversation. For him, the key question is always, “Does this sound like us?” Whether it pertains to the tone of the questions, the music, or the editing, Luthango strives to keep their work organic.

“It’s a balance: too much polish makes it feel staged, while being too raw can diminish its impact,” he says. “Creativity should enhance authenticity, not compete with it.” Reflecting on leadership, he notes that it is an ongoing lesson: “Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about clarity and trust. Collaboration thrives when everyone feels seen and heard.”

Sonwabile Luthango

Behind the Lens, videographer Kwakha Khumalo plays a crucial role in bringing each episode of KAAPcasts to life. “As a videographer, my approach is to creatively direct our locations, ensure that we stay on schedule, and maintain high energy in the studio before, during, and after filming,” he explains. “It’s all about setting the right vibe and ensuring everything flows smoothly to create the best possible content.”

Kwakha also shares some challenges of filming outside the studio. “Sound can be tricky when shooting in busy areas, but we’ve learned to adapt.” Despite these obstacles, he remains optimistic. “Good gear can be very expensive, so we started with what we had and made it work.”

Looking ahead, the team envisions KAAPcast as a platform to uplift others. “We want to give back to our communities,” says Mona. “Our dream is to host workshops that help young journalists and creatives showcase their skills.”

Kwakha Khumalo

Mona's advice to others is straightforward but impactful: “Collaborate with your team, value opportunities, and keep striving. Someone is looking up to you.”