Nothing makes us happier than seeing fresh local talent on our screens. Over the past few years, viewers have called for broadcasters and production houses to #OpenUpTheIndustry, and their cries have been heard.
In 2018, some of South Africa’s favourite soapies and series introduced us to new faces, supported by our local broadcaster, etv, Mzansi Magic and streaming platforms like Showmax.
Here are the stars you should look out for in 2019, and where to watch them.
Larona Moagi
Not only is she pursuing law at Wits University, but Larona also plays Itumeleng Mokoena, a character we’ve all come to love on telenovela The River on Showmax.
She’s only getting started. If the way Larona portrays Itumleng is anything to go by, we have no doubt she’s going to shake things up in the South African industry.
Thando Thabethe
You can’t put Thando in a box. She’s been killing it on radio and has featured on a couple of shows, but it is her current role on Mzansi Magic’s Housekeepers that’s grabbed everyone’s attention (watch the full series on Showmax). On the series, Thando plays Linda Ndlovu, a young woman seeking justice for her mother, who was murdered by her employers.
With this kind of reaction, Thando might be in for a DStv Mzansi Viewer’s Choice Award soon…
Galaletsang Koffmann
Galaletsang has been in the game for a while. She has appeared on popular South Africa shows such as The Road and Isithembiso, but it is her portrayal of Beauty on The River that saw her become one of 2018’s breakout stars.
She has brought her A-game to this role and continues to win viewers over with her authenticity.
Motsoaledi Setumo
Early 2018 saw Motsoaledi Setumo make her debut on The Queen, Mzansi Magic’s number one TV show.
“I’ve played dramatic and crazy characters before where I had to show my body a lot. But with Mmabatho it is different. I am showing my talent without having to undress, I am redeeming myself,” she told Drum magazine during an interview. Watch the latest episode of The Queen live on DStv Now or watch the full series on Showmax.