Johannesburg - Jessica Sithole stepped into the homes of many South Africans when she took on the role of Nyakallo on 1Magic’s popular telenovela The River.
The show has been in need of some new characters to breathe some life into it and Sithole came right on time to shake things up.
For those who don’t follow the series, Sithole’s character is a typical Mosotho girl who comes into the lives of the Dikanas (the show’s rich family) as a helper. She becomes too familiar with Zweli Dikana, the father and head of the household, and eventually he falls in love with her.
Unfortunately, Sithole’s role on the show is short-lived as she gets killed off. Her character brought some drama to the telenovela and had great potential to add to the storyline.
Some fans of the show have been hoping for a detour from the typical storyline of central character Lindiwe Dikana, played by Sindi Dlathu, always getting her way. But, as usual, Madlabantu, as Lindiwe is most affectionately known, managed to get rid of Nyakallo in standard fashion.
The actress, 22, is a fresh face on the TV screens and her role as Nyakallo was her first audition into the entertainment industry. The arts graduate is also a model, so fans will likely be seeing her more on their TV screens.
Thabiso Ramotshela has become a firm favourite among fans of the same telenovela. The young actor has been part of the production for a while now, adding to the Mokoena family storyline. The talented actor plays Morena, the naughty yet smart son of Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena.
Ramotshela recently bagged a role in the Showmax teen coming-of-age film Pearls of Wisdom alongside Linda Sokhulu and Amina Jack.
On The River, the 17-year-old has been involved in storylines that reflect the lives of teenagers including building a relationship with his father and peer pressure from friends. He is now part of a storyline that sees him having to choose between a fast life and doing the right thing.
Ramotshela’s talent is remarkable and he can only grow to further hone his skill. This is one rising star to watch closely.
Kgaogelo Monama’s character on Mzansi Magic’s Diep City is not her first role but it certainly is the role that has pushed her to stardom.
Monama is a quarter of the Diep City squad in the role of Lerato – the slay queen who knows her business too well.
The 31-year-old actress has acted in most recently SABC 2’s Lithaop, eTV’s Scandal, guest-starred in Soul City, Z’bondiwe and was a fan favourite in Thandeka’s Diary. Monama has several movie and theatre performances under her belt. She is also a professional cabaret dancer and has dabbled in a talk show as a presenter. Her star is certainly shining bright. One show that continues to showcase young talent is SABC 1 soapie Skeem Saam. The award-winning soapie has managed to stay on top of its game since its arrival and has been a stepping stone for many actors.
The Star