MOHALE’S STAR SHINES BRIGHT

Bitten by the acting bug, Motaung-Mhlongo wants more,

writes DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

ON HIS RECENT SOAPIE DEBUT Mohale Motaung-Mhlongo recently joined e.tv’s popular soapie, Rhythm City, albeit for a brief stint. Cast as Kudzo, he was introduced into the story arc as the suave head of sponsorship for a big cell phone company. However, it was all a ruse choreographed by Pearl (the late David Genaro’s daughter, played by Petronella Tshuma), who has a score to settle with Suffocate (Mduduzi Mabaso).

ON IT BEING EASIER TO INHABIT AN AFFLUENT CHARACTER Given his lavish way of life, it wasn’t much of a stretch to dabble in the world of the wealthy.

He laughed: “Ja, definitely. I could say that it wasn’t very farfetched from my original lifestyle.

ON HIS GUEST ROLE BEING EXTENDED

He offered: “We did have a bit of a chat about it and they asked about my availability in November/ December/ January and February because they had a writers’ meeting. I think they are working on bringing the character back. So keeping those fingers crossed.”

Given his high-profile relationship with Somizi Mhlongo- Motaung, the news of his acting gig got a lot of traction on social media.

“Some things you can’t control as a person. I think it’s something that I’ve experienced for quite some time now. And because of that, when it happens now, it doesn’t move me.

“I believe people are allowed to have their own opinions about whatever but it doesn’t now mean that I shouldn’t pursue opportunities or gigs simply because people don’t think I’m deserving. I’ve just decided that I’m going to work, lead my life and do what I have to do because, really, I can’t stop for every dog that barks! I need to keep it moving.

“I need to do my work and, for as long as the people I’m working for or working with are happy and I’m happy - that’s all that matters. I mean the producers at Rhythm City are happy. The directors are happy. So if they are happy, then I’m good. I don’t want to explain myself to anyone else.”

ON WHAT’S NEXT

Now that he’s been properly bitten by the acting bug, he added:

“I’ve been saying that if I can get a role as a straight guy, it would really challenge me to step out of my comfort zone.”

“I’m building a platform called, Let’s talk with Mohale. I realise that I really enjoy talking to people and that I’ve got a particular style in interviewing people, which is a skill I never thought I had. It’s already in the pipeline.”

And he’s got his eye on bagging a part on The River, too.