Born out of a deep love for storytelling and a keen eye on the gaps within the film and
television industry, LEWATLE is more than just a magazine. It’s a beautifully crafted
space for emerging African voices to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Founded by ChiefEditor, Mapule Mokete in July 2023. LEWATLE was inspired by Mapule’s time as an intern at the MultiChoice Talent Factory, where she witnessed firsthand the need for a
platform that honours the work of young creatives, not just digitally, but through the timeless elegance of print.
At its core, LEWATLE is a curated celebration of Africa’s new wave of storytellers, from
directors and producers to actors, scriptwriters, theatre performers, photographers, and
even continuity supervisors. Every issue is a world of its own, peeling back the layers of
the film and TV industry, and allowing readers to experience filmmaking as both an
artform and a busines.
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MEET THE TEAM
Mapule Mokete
Mapule Mokete is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at LEWATLE Magane. With a background in Journalism and Media Studies, she brings a deep understanding of story to everything she builds. She identified a critical gap in the industry in 2023 when she founded LEWATLE Magazine, a platform that celebrates emerging filmmakers, merging her background in Journalism with her passion for Film.
As the Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Mapule is the driving force behind LEWATLE’s creative and strategic direction. She leads the editorial vision, oversees content development across print and digital and makes executive decisions that shape the publication’s voice, brand image and growth. From curating powerful cover stories to building partnerships and steering production, she plays a hands-on role in every layer of the company.
Samantha Nkomo
Samantha Nkomo is Head of Operations and Accountant at LEWATLE Magazine. She handles all the money side of things and makes sure the day-to-day work runs smoothly so the creative team can focus on what they do best.
She started her career in the corporate world, working with budgets and spreadsheets. Over time she moved into the creative industry, where she gets to mix clear structure with fast-moving, creative projects. She’s always enjoyed working with numbers because they help show what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Her goal is simple: Keep the finances solid and the operations organised, so the company can keep growing
Nompumelelo Magushana
Nompumelelo Magushana is the Head of Creative at LEWATLE Magazine, where she leads the publication’s visual direction and overall creative strategy across editorial, digital and production. She plays a key role in shaping LEWATLE’s evolving identity, from overseeing cover shoots, directing creative concepts, and driving the company’s expansion into film, events and original content.
On a day-to-day basis, Nompumelelo leads creative execution from concept to final delivery. With a background in cinematography, lighting and on-set technical roles such as Gaffer, key grip and VT operation, she brings a hands-on, production-driven approach that ensures every project is both visually striking and technically refined.
Pheladi Mminele
Pheladi K. Mminele is a Creative Producer and Project Manager with a strong foundation in film, content, and creative operations. At LEWATLE Magazine, she is responsible for overseeing the full production pipeline, from coordinating contributors, managing timelines to ensuring each issue is delivered seamlessly, while maintaining the publication’s creative vision and high quality.
With experience in the General Entertainment space at MultiChoice, Pheladi has gained a deep understanding of the content value chain, from commissioning and development to execution and delivery, in South Africa and the broader African market. Known for her discipline, high standards and results-driven approach, she thrives in fast-paced environments and is deeply committed to excellence.
Mihle Mdashe
Mihle Mdashe is a Johannesburg-based Graphic Designer and Visual Journalist with a passion for storytelling through design. With a background in Visual Journalism, she combines editorial sensitivity with strong design principles to create work that is both engaging and meaningful.
At LEWATLE, Mihle is responsible for designing the magazine’s layout and ensuring a cohesive visual identity across all platforms. Her work focuses on maintaining brand consistency while elevating the publication’s overall look and feel, translating stories into compelling visual experiences.
Bonisiwe Mokoena
Bonisiwe Mokoena is a Creative Writer for screen, theatre and print, currently serving as Junior Writer and Editor at LEWATLE Magazine. She holds a qualification in Scriptwriting, where she developed her storytelling voice across multiple formats, with a strong foundation in story and performance.
At LEWATLE, Bonisiwe plays an active role in shaping the publication’s editorial output. She writes and edits features, supports content development and collaborates closely with the creative team to ensure consistency in tone, quality and storytelling. Her journey with the magazine began in 2025 when she contributed to the Star Quality Graduation Issue as part of her studies, and in early 2026, she was officially appointed as Junior Writer and Editor. Issue 06 marks her first project in this role, signaling the beginning of her growing impact within the LEWATLE creative team.
OUR PAST ISSUES
