🎬 Educational Field Trip: Film & Creative Arts Industry  |  Inspired by Thandolwethu "Olly" Zondi  |  Grade 12 Learners  |  Pietermaritzburg & Beyond  |  🎭 Explore. Discover. Inspire.  | 
Grade 12 CAT PAT Project · 2025

From Pietermaritzburg
to the Screen

Investigating the Rise of Thandolwethu "Olly" Zondi

A career-focused educational field trip proposal for Grade 12 learners interested in film, media and creative arts — inspired by one of South Africa's most exciting young actors.

Meet Olly View Field Trip Plan

Submitted by: Siyanqoba Ngcobo  |  Subject: Computer Applications Technology  |  Grade 12

Main Research Question

Who is Thandolwethu "Olly" Zondi?

This project investigates the rise of upcoming local actor Thandolwethu 'Olly' Zondi — born and raised in Pietermaritzburg — and uses his journey as the foundation for planning an educational field trip for Grade 12 learners interested in film, media and creative arts.

"His rapid rise to recognition, despite not having had any formal acting training, has gained attention on multiple social media platforms and led to opportunities such as being featured by Actor Space and being cast in Shaka Ilembe on Mzansi Magic."

— Task Definition, Siyanqoba Ngcobo
Project Objectives

What This Trip Aims to Achieve

The field trip will expose Grade 12 learners to the realities of the acting industry and inspire the next generation of South African creatives.

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Learn About Acting

Understand what a career in the South African acting industry truly looks like.

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Explore Creative Careers

Discover roles in directing, producing, screenwriting, and media beyond acting.

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Visit Industry Locations

Tour film studios and media organisations that shape South African content.

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Understand Social Media

Examine how technology and platforms like TikTok and Instagram shape modern success.

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Gain Career Inspiration

Draw motivation from Olly's journey — a young person from PMB who made it.

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Develop Research Skills

Demonstrate effective research, data analysis, and digital presentation skills.

PMB City of Origin
0 Formal Training
Gr 12 Target Audience
1 Major TV Series
∞ Inspiration Given
Research Scope

Related Research Questions

The following related questions guide the full scope of this PAT investigation:

  • What does Thandolwethu's background look like?
  • When did he decide to pursue acting as a career?
  • What influenced his rise to the top?
  • Who or what helped him pursue his career?
  • What are his achievements?
  • Which challenges has he faced during filming?
  • What locations related to his career could be visited?
  • Which studios or media organisations would host learners?
  • What transportation options and costs are required?
  • How many learners are interested in the trip (survey)?
  • What budget is needed for food and travel?
  • What skills will learners gain from attending?
  • When is the best time of year to schedule the trip?
  • How can social media be used to promote the trip?
  • What safety and parental consent requirements apply?
  • How will the trip align with the school timetable?
Tools Used

CAT Applications in This Project

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Word Processor

Research reports, parent letters, consent forms, and interview question documents.

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Microsoft Excel

Detailed budget, survey result analysis, and graphs from learner data.

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This Website

Field trip itinerary, research findings, and industry insights — all in one place.

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Infographic

Visual summary of key findings, designed for learners and educators.

Explore the Website

Navigate the Full Project

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About Olly

Background, timeline, and biography of Thandolwethu Zondi.
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Career Journey

Challenges, achievements, and lessons for young creatives.
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Field Trip Plan

Full itinerary, schedule, transport, and safety measures.
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Budget

Interactive cost calculator with all trip expenses in Rands.
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Gallery

Photos, slideshow, and visual documentation of the journey.
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Contact

Get in touch, take the quiz, and see the countdown to the trip.