Melt Sieberhagen has been part of South Africa’s entertainment industry for over two decades – acting in beloved Afrikaans TV shows, performing stand-up, and dabbling in everything from insert directing to voice work. But beyond the credits, Melt is a sharp social observer and cultural critic who’s unafraid to talk about the complexities of identity, privilege, and navigating a creative career in a country as layered as South Africa.
In this episode, we reflect on Melt’s comedy roots, the absurdities of Afrikaans conservatism, and what it means to perform for an audience that doesn’t always want to be challenged. We dive into uncomfortable truths about race, language, and culture – from Afrikaner myth-making to the politics of pride and prejudice – all while remembering that the first job of a comic is to make people laugh. Enjoy.
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