Siyasanga Papu

Siyasanga Catherine Papu (born 14 July 1986), is a South African actress, entrepreneur, singer and sketch artist. She is best known for the roles in the television serials such as; Hillside, The Herd and Gomora. Quotes My biggest takeaway [from the movie] is that we still have a long way to go. The beauty standards were set by the Western World, and now here we are in Africa trying to fit those standards. Former Gomora star Siyasanga Papu talks body positivity in new film role Sowetan (23 July 2025) It has taken a while for us to get to a place where a full-figured woman like myself can be part of the lead cast of a big telenovela. Just a couple of years ago, that was unheard of. It is truly unfortunate, because we see stories that sound familiar but never look familiar. These women who fill our screens, we often don’t even relate to them because we don’t see ourselves in them. My argument has always been: in SA we have a lot of full-figured women, if we don’t predominantly have full-figured women, why must my story as a full-figured women be told by a woman who is a smaller size than me because that apparently looks better? I am so glad to be in the forefront with other thick women who are telling South African stories because there is a girl who is shaped like me, sitting at home and watching. That teenager is looking at me thinking, ‘I can also make my dreams happen because there she is on screen and she looks like me.’ I tell stories from an honest place, and no matter my body shape I should be given an equal chance to do that. Siyasanga Papu on her lead role as a plus-size woman: Just a couple of years ago, that was unheard of TimesLive (7 September 2020) As an actor, it is always great to be challenged by a role, especially ones that are very far from who you are as a person. ‘Gomora’ star Siyasanga Papu bags lead role in award-winning ‘Xova’ Sunday World (24 June 2022) An actor prepares: acting cannot be done without preparation. My own expectations can be so high. In my mind, I see the character and visualise what it looks like. Then, if I’m afforded the opportunity to see my work, I criticise myself so much! Theatre Interview: Siyasanga Papu – Marikana The Musical, Or Commissioning Consciousness brucedennill.co.za (17 August 2022) I think something major needs to happen to a person to reach a point where one is so petty, bitter and always angry and always lashing out. Siyasanga Papu of 'Gomora' on how Sonto’s favouritism made Pretty bitter Times Live (26 August 2020) If we don’t tell our stories, no one is going to do it for us. If we don’t communicate something, society will be under the impression that all is well and that everything is fine. But it isn’t. A lot of damage is done by poverty and being thrown into circumstances where you are forced to raise a child when you are not ready. We need to tell more of these. I look back and wish I would have been more gentle because mothers experience so much pressure but we never give them a break. Papu hopes to kill role representing single mothers Sowetan (29 June 2025)