South African legendary actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi is best known for her roles in Sepedi drama Bophelo ke Semphekgo and SABC1 soapie Skeem Saam as Koko Mantsha.
Here’s what you didn’t know about the actress:
Fans of the award-winning actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi have wondered why she doesn’t appear in Skeem Saam, where she plays the role of Katlego Peterson’s grandmother Koko Mantsha.
Sowetan reported in July 2020 that the legendary actress has taken a break from acting after playing Koko Mantsha since the soapie’s inception in 2011.
The educational soapie revealed to the publication that Mokgokoloshi is still part of the show on a recurring basis, although viewers will see less of her on screen.
The soapie’s spokesperson Sumanya Mogola said: “She will still be in and out of the story. She just won’t be shooting as much as she used to. Our shooting schedule gets really hectic at times and we don’t want to wear her out. She is at a very sensitive age so she needs as much rest, care, and comfort as possible.”
She took a break from the show in 2020 when her character moved away from Turfloop in Limpopo (where the storyline is predominantly based) to her home.
What to know about actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi:
TVSA reports the actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi was populalry known for her portrayal of Mma-Nkosheng in the 90s drama series Bophelo ke Semphekgo before joining Skeem Saam as Koko Mantsha.
4 things to know about her:
- Mokgokoloshi was born in September 1939 in Limpopo province in a village called Botlokwa.
- She he attended high school at Mokomene School and then studied teaching at Mokopane and taught for 10 years at home.
- She then moved to Soweto in 1974 where she taught until she retired in 1997.
- She lives with her grandchildren from her only son who passed away in 2003.
Fans of the actress were let out a breath of relief when the soapie confirmed she is still alive after she fell victim to death hoax in July 2021.
Daily Sun reported that the actress was honoured by the Limpopo Artists Movement following the fake news.
Movement president Mphoza Mashabela told Daily Sun the fake news shocked people but also made them realise Lydia needed to be honoured while she was still alive.
“We realised that throughout her career, she has never been honoured in her own province, yet she’s done so much to put our province on the map,” he said.
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She’s very much ALIVE!!Please stop spreading rumours.. don’t write about unverified passing of people just for clout! I spoke to her 20 mins ago and the first thing she asks me is “o kwele??” #kokomantsha @SkeemSaam3 pic.twitter.com/hELtOKk5Pb
— Makgofe Moagi (@MakgofeD) July 24, 2021
Our national Gogo is alive well and kicking ♥️✨ @SkeemSaam3 thank you for providing clarity #SkeemSaam Skeem Saam pic.twitter.com/0y0fa0k6an
— David Mbhele (@DMayibuye) July 24, 2021
For all those who watched Sepedi dramas in the late 80’s/90’s. #TheRiver1Magic has brought together the two actors who played Nkwesheng in Bophelo ke Semphekgo. Patric Shai originated the role and Seputla was his recast. ❤️ Enjoy the nostalgic debut moment tonight. pic.twitter.com/DZbkCNlpPg
— PhaṱhuMakwarela (@PhathuMakwarela) January 3, 2022
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