Lydia Mokgokoloshi, popularly known as Koko Mantsha, is a celebrated South African actress who rose to fame for her compelling portrayal of Koko Mantsha on the popular SABC 1 soap opera Skeem Saam.
With a career spanning several decades, she has charmed audiences with her roles in various television dramas.
Her journey in the entertainment industry began in the 1980s with the character Mma Nkwesheng in the drama Bophelo ke Semphekgo, where she played a strict and overbearing mother-in-law.
Profile
- – Full name: Lydia Mokgokoloshi
- – Nickname: Koko Mantsha
- – Date of birth: 27 September 1939
- – Age: 85 years old
- – Gender: Female
- – Place of birth: Botlokwa, Limpopo, South Africa
- – Nationality: South African
- – Profession: Actress, Educator
- – Height: N/A
- – Parents: N/A
- – Siblings: N/A
- – Spouse: N/A
- – Children: 1 (Name N/A)
- – Relationship status: Widowed
- – Religion: N/A
- – Ethnicity: Northern Sotho
- – Net worth: $200,000
Early Life and Education
Lydia Mokgokoloshi, now 85, was born on 27 September 1939 in Botlokwa, a village in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Raised in a modest family, she pursued her early education at Manthata Tribal School, progressing to Botlokwa Primary for standards five and six. Lydia completed her high school education at Mokomene School.
Following her passion for teaching, she enrolled in a teacher training program at Mokopane. Subsequently, she embarked on a teaching career that lasted over two decades, including a significant period teaching in Soweto from 1974 until her retirement in 1997.
Throughout her early years, her Northern Sotho heritage and the cultural environment of her upbringing deeply influenced her personal and professional life.
Personal Life
Lydia Mokgokoloshi experienced the joys and sorrows of family life. She was married to a supportive husband, whose identity remains private, and they had one son.
Tragically, her son passed away in 2003, a loss that deeply affected her. Lydia is now widowed and lives with her grandchildren, finding solace and purpose in their company.
Career
Lydia Mokgokoloshi’s acting career took off in the 1980s. In Bophelo ke Semphekgo, she played Mma Nkwesheng, a harsh and unforgiving mother-in-law. This role established her as a formidable South African television industry talent.
She continued to build her career with notable performances in various TV dramas, including Ngwanaka Okae and Muvhango. However, her role as Koko Mantsha in Skeem Saam, starting in 2011, truly cemented her status as a household name.
Her portrayal of the wise and loving grandmother resonated with viewers, making her one of the show’s most beloved characters. In 2022, she joined the cast of Giyani: Land of Blood, further showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal as an actress.
Awards
- 2017: Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Film and Television Awards
Net Worth
Lydia Mokgokoloshi’s net worth is estimated to be around $200,000. She accumulated wealth through her extensive television career, earning from her long-standing roles in popular dramas and soap operas.
Controversy
Lydia Mokgokoloshi has not been a stranger to controversy. In July 2021, rumours about her death spread across social media, causing widespread concern among her fans and the entertainment community. These reports were quickly debunked by the producers of Skeem Saam and her close associates, who confirmed that she was alive and well.
This incident highlighted the impact of misinformation and the distress it can cause. Additionally, her decision to take a break from acting in 2020 sparked rumours and speculations about her health and future in the industry. Despite these challenges, Lydia has maintained her dignity and composure, focusing on her work and personal life.
Social Media
- – Instagram: N/A
- – Twitter: N/A
Filmography
- – Bophelo ke Semphekgo
- – Ngwanaka O kae
- – Muvhango
- – Skeem Saam
- – Giyani: Land of Blood
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