It’s a personality, a feeling, and the definition of a woman who is confident in her own skin. Last night I learned that ‘dichipi’ is Pretoria slang for a woman who is a total baddie. It is also the title of a new youth show set to air every Thursday on SABC1 starting 17 October 2024.
I attended the launch of JiK’iZinto’s new comedy-drama series, DiChipi, in Cape Town and had a blast speaking with some of the cast members. The new show aims to explore the themes of family, friendship, love, and identity and highlight the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
I’ve been told that the 13-episode series will have you laughing and crying while sharing important information on how youth can navigate friendships and deal with mental health struggles. Episode 1 airs on 17 October on SABC1 at 18:30.
The cast features Azande Mkhungo as Mpume, Nkateko Mabunda as Nthabiseng, Vanessa Swart as Yvette, Jason Willemse as Mechanic Bae, and Keenan Angelo Arrison as Anton.
A chat with sis-STARS
I had the privilege of speaking with Lesego Jacobs (who plays Lorcia) and Lauren Smit (who plays Grace) who play sisters in DiChipi.
Q: You made it onto national television! Tell me about your acting journey, and what went into getting to this point.
Lauren: Firstly, getting my parents to say yes! Because when you tell them you want to do something in Arts, they (can worry if) you’ll find work. You might think you won’t need it but go to school for Arts. Get an agent. And when you’re networking be kind and professional – and have a positive energy – because that’s what impacts people the most.
Q: What were your best and scariest days on set?
Lesego: I’ll start with the scariest. This was my first-ever acting gig, and I’m here with people who’ve gone to school for this, or who’ve done this for years. And I’m just a little sick duckling (because) on the first day of shooting I was sick, and we were filming outside. I also struggled a lot with imposter syndrome. I called my agent crying, saying ‘I don’t know if I’m doing a good job’! (Lauren: ‘You did an amazing job!’) But my agent came back saying, ‘I’ve got nothing but good feedback about you, you’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about.’
My best moment was in the final week (after I shed those tears of imposter syndrome hahaha). I was finally able to step out of my head, give it my best, and tell myself ‘We’re going for it’!
Q: What does dichipi mean to you? And how do you embody the “dichipi-ness”?
Lesego: A dichipi girl says here are these obstacles, but these can be moved. And (she) will do what must be done, find the resources, talk to her girlfriends – who she keeps close to her – and ensure everyone is mentally healthy. A resourceful girl, who is not scared, she’s a BRAVE SCAREDITY CAT!
Lauren: Beautiful, confident women who are going to go out in the world and show them ‘I AM THE BOSS’, ‘I CAN DO THIS’, ‘I can handle anything you throw at me’, because the world is going to throw obstacles at you regardless.
Q: DiChipi is a coming-of-age story that aims to inspire young South Africans. But what did this show teach you along the way?
Lauren: Whatever you are dealing with, emotionally, does not control your actions or who you are as a person. You are someone outside of your anxiety or your fears. Find out who that person is and be true to that person!
Lesego: Your mistakes don’t define who you are. My character made a lot of mistakes, and she did them with her chest! She was living her best life! But (you need to) be able to look at yourself and know when it is time to take those steps and make a change.
Q: Any future goals?
Lauren: I definitely see myself on an international stage, going places, seeing the world. Imma make it big! Everyone will know me!
Lesego: What I love about the JiK’iZinto movement is that they give back to the community and help little girls. Many little girls do not know how far they can dream or get help (to reach their goals). That is something I would be interested in venturing into, and if I can help them through my acting or help get funding then so be it. I want them to know that their voice matters.
The synopsis for the show:
DiChipi by JiK’iZinto follows three unlikely friends who rely on each other after a chaotic night that places the future of their community centre in jeopardy…As they navigate the challenges of youth, the trio explore mental health, sex, and economic independence, all while managing family and academic pressures alongside complex relationship dynamics. Their deepest fear is not just losing the centre, but also failing to recognise and realise their dreams.
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