THENZHENI - His face can easily be mistaken for that of a baboon, a chimpanzee or a monkey. One can become afraid or even try to run away, not knowing that Tshisikhawe Mushiana (16) of Thenzheni, near Thohoyandou, is only acting.

Mushiana is normal like any other human being, but his portrayal of a baboon, chimpanzee or monkey has earned him fame in and around Thohoyandou.

“I am a funny person by nature. I can’t explain how I do my tricks. This is just a God-given talent. I did not take it seriously at first, but people always ask me to act for them. I then realized that I have a special talent and since then, I have never looked back. I started doing this in 2002 and every time I do it, everyone wonders, thinking that they are seeing an animal,” Mushiana told Mirror.

A Grade 10 learner at Mphalaleni High School, Mushiana explained that he is also paying the price of fame because some community members and fellow schoolmates think that he is abnormal or uses muti to change his face.

“I’m just like any other human being. It is only that I am blessed with this special and unique talent. I would also like to encourage other youths to utilize their talents because that can be the source of their income in future.”

His teacher, Mrs. Humbelani Mangale, told Mirror: “Mushiana is the apple of everyone’s eye at our school. He usually entertains us during breaks and everyone loves him. He is a rare breed of talent that should be nursed and developed. If he gets the necessary support, he could end up being one of the best actors in the world. He is always flanked by adoring fans wherever he goes and I believe his rare talent will take him somewhere.”

Mushiana has been invited to perform in different community gatherings and local schools but he said his main aim is to spread his wings and perform even beyond the borders of Limpopo.