From Nyanga to Hollywood: CPUT graduand balances film dreams and table tennis success

Anande Kuse has balanced academic success with sporting excellence and a breakthrough role in a major Hollywood production, making her a standout graduates at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) this year.

Kuse was among more than 9,000 students who graduated during the university’s autumn ceremonies this week, earning her Advanced Diploma in Film Production.

Raised in Nyanga, she discovered table tennis through an after-school programme in primary school. The sport quickly became central to her life, opening doors to national and international competition.

In her first year at CPUT, she represented South Africa at the International Table Tennis Federation African Youth, Junior and Cadet Championships in Tunisia.

She continued to build her path forward, winning two bronze medals at the USSA Table Tennis Championships in Kimberley in December, in the women’s doubles and mixed doubles events.

Alongside her achievements in sport, Kuse has been developing her career in film.

She worked as a stunt performer in Cape Town last March for the production of the Hollywood film Children of Blood and Bone. With a planned release in 2027, the production showcases a global cast such as Damson Idris, Regina King, Viola Davis, and Idris Elba.

“They were looking for people who were playing sports. The experience was fun, and as a film student, I learned a lot,” she said.

Kuse is now completing her Honours in Media Leadership and Innovation and is already considering her next steps.

She hopes to become a table tennis coach while continuing to pursue opportunities in film and content creation.

“I also want to do something where I combine my love for sport and film and content creation,” she says.

IOL