From Passion to Pixels: Young Animator Malcom Ndiweni Shares His Journey

In a growing creative industry where innovation meets storytelling, one young animator from Bulawayo is steadily carving out his path; using talent, resilience, and self-taught skills to bring ideas to life while inspiring the next generation.
 
ZDDT's Nozibusiso Sivalo sits down with Malcom Aaron Ndiweni (22), Animator and Trainer to find out more.

NS: Can you state your full name and age?

MAN: My name is Malcom Aaron Ndiweni, and I am 22 years old.

NS: What do you do?

MAN: I am an animator, and I bring visuals to life. I also train GRAA Students in the basics of animation, how to create animations, including videos, adverts, voice integration, as well
as facial and motion capturing.

NS: What are your passions and aspirations?

MAN: I want to own an animation studio and produce movies every three years. I’m interested in animation for films, adverts, and running series for both children and adults. I also want to teach kids animation and help grow the industry.

NS: Tell us about your upbringing and schooling.

MAN: I grew up in Nketa 9 with both my parents and my five siblings - I’m the third child. I went to Mgiqika Primary School and later Ihlathi High School, before continuing at Herentals
Group of Colleges. At primary school, I played cricket and was team captain—we even competed and won in Bulawayo, and I was selected for the Junior Zimbabwe team, but my parents prioritised academics.

In high school, I joined drama—my first role was actually just playing a door - but I kept improving and eventually became the leader of the drama club, organising competitions. I also danced and earned some income from it. Later, I joined GRAA, where I developed a deeper interest in theatre and performance. I started as a substitute actor, doing double roles in my first performance, and later joined an opera group called RAW.

I took on piece jobs, including working at Swift, but eventually left to pursue my passion for the arts, even though my parents were not fully supportive at first. I also worked as a bartender while continuing with theatre. To show my commitment, I even bought a TV and DSTV to demonstrate that I could invest in my passion.

Through helping at GRAA with videography, I learned editing and began exploring animation. I taught myself using a computer I received from Mazwi (ZDDT Programme Coordinator), starting with simple designs and gradually improving. I later created a mock advert for Pick n Pay, which opened doors for me. Today, I work as an animator with Zimbabwe Development and Democracy Trust (ZDDT) for GRAA.

NS: What challenges do you face as an animator?

MAN: One of the biggest challenges is access to proper equipment. Animation requires high-performance computers and specialised software, which are very expensive. Finding voice-over artists can also be difficult. Another challenge is translating someone else’s idea into a visual without losing its meaning, while still adding your creative touch. Animation also takes a lot of time and patience.

NS: How would you encourage young aspiring animators?

MAN: Don’t stop believing in yourself. Think outside the box and collaborate with others; you will get there. Share your work with the world and keep improving. Never give up. I am working towards creating authentic Zimbabwean and African animation to inspire others and show that it can be done.

NS: Thank you for sharing your story with us, Malcom.