Makgotso Monyemokathoe shot to fame in 2016 when she landed a role in the SABC2 soapie drama, Muvhango. A few years later, the talented actress has taken the industry by storm. Makgotso exclusively talks to us about her biggest lessons and her new project.
Makgotso M was born in Alberton, Ekurhuleni, before she moved to the UK with her mum and siblings at the age of 11.
“I was 11 when I moved to England and I had a hard time adjusting to life that side, so I’ve always had a desire to come back home. And I really loved home.”
Her desire to come home got bigger and bigger.
“I made a deal with my mom that when I finished University I would do whatever I wanted to do, and for me it was to move back home to pursue acting. I did a BA Honours in Theatre Studies, Film and Television from Brunel University in London.”
Instagram/@makgotsom1
Seven months after her graduation, the actress decided to move back to South Africa to pursue her acting career. In the same year, she got two cameo roles on Terry Pheto’s award-winning film, Ayanda, and on SABC1’s sitcom, My Perfect Family. She explains:
“I feel like people started really noticing me when I went to Muvhango and Isidingo, so those were my big breaks. Then Is’thunzi came after Isidingo.”
Although her role on Muvhango was short, it was the most impactful one.
Makgotso really blew up in 2016 when she played Thishiwe on Mzansi Magic’s Is’thunzi.
“I wasn’t sure at first whether to take the role on Is’thunzi because it was so intense, and it’s not because I doubted that I could do it but I knew I would have to give it my all.”
The actress gives props to director, Amanda Lane, for seeing her through shooting. She shares:
“Amanda is the most amazing director I’ve ever worked with. The conditions on Is’thunzi were tough because we’d have five weeks to shoot 13 episodes and because the Is’thunzi storyline was so hectic, it took a lot from us, but it was all worth it. The show taught me to not limit myself as an actress.”
It was on the set of Is’thunzi where the actress met and formed friendships with fellow actresses Thuso Mbedu, Yolanda Hlakula and Zikhona Bali.
“Me and the girls met on set warmed up to a friendship, it was great working with professional actors. I learned so much from them and everyone on set.”
Instagram/@makgotsom1
Makgotso’s career has taken off well, but that doesn’t come without challenges. She admits:
“As an actress, I don’t feel supported by the structures of the industry. I thought after doing Is’thunzi, doors would open more, yet after the show, I basically started from scratch again and this pulled down my morale. I was frustrated with the industry here in SA because the level of acting on Isithunzi gave me goosebumps, yet I still didn’t earn my stripes. But I’m confident in the talent I have and my purpose. Also, surrounding myself with actor friends and veterans really helps morale because they will tell you that not getting gigs sometimes happens and you just need to save up so your financially secure.”
Makgotso has a new gig coming up. She’ll play the role of Moipone on the highly-anticipated Showmax drama The Girl from St. Agnes, which premieres on the streaming service on January 31. Instagram/@makgotsom1
“I was planning on going back to England to try theatre when I heard about the new drama. I auditioned for the role in September and we worked on the show for two months.”
Though Makgotso has only been in the industry for a few years, the actress shares her biggest lessons and advice about the industry.
“My biggest lesson in the industry and life in general is self-love and being able to be confident to make decisions that could alter your future. As an actress, people might like you one minute then the next they don’t, so having confidence in yourself is vital.”
Makgotso concludes:
“To succeed in this industry, you need to know what you’re getting yourself into. Educate yourself about financial things, savings and investments because dry spells happen in this industry.”
