Lydia Mokgokoloshi, the actress who portrays the character of Koko Mantsha on the popular soap opera ‘Skeem Saam’, has recently spoken out about the hurt she feels in response to rumours of her ‘death’. The show has also taken a stand against these claims, with a spokesperson stating that the 83-year-old actress is still alive and well.
Mokgokoloshi, also known for her role in Bophelo ke Semphekgo, expressed her gratitude towards her team at Skeem Saam and the Limpopo Artist Movement for standing up for her. She stated that people should not play with others’ emotions in such a manner.
The rumours of Mokgokoloshi’s passing began to circulate after @SSiTVSA shared an article on Twitter reporting that the veteran actress had passed away. However, @SkeemSaam3 quickly responded to the tweet, asking for it removed and stating that it was not true.
In July 2020, Sowetan reported that Mokgokoloshi had taken a break from acting after portraying Koko Mantsha in 2011. The soapie’s spokesperson, Sumanya Mogola, explained that while Mokgokoloshi would still appear in the show from time to time, she would not be shooting as much as she used to. This decision was made in order to ensure that the actress, who is at a sensitive age, would not be worn out by the hectic shooting schedule and could receive as much rest, care and comfort as possible.
Mphoza Mashabela, the chairman of the Limpopo Artists Movement (LAM), has recently spoken to Daily Sun about the heartbreak that the organization felt in response to the death hoax of Skeem Saam actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi. The organization has also urged South Africans to refrain from spreading such hurtful and false news, which is insensitive and disrespectful.
Ndivhuyo Luvhengo, a spokesperson for LAM, stated that the leadership of the organization had spoken to both Mokgokoloshi and her family in a telephone engagement and could confirm that she is doing well. This is not the first time Mokgokoloshi has fallen victim to a death hoax. In 2021, a fake and unverified SABC 1 Facebook page also falsely reported her passing.
The soap opera Skeem Saam also took to its Twitter account in 2021 to dispel the rumours and reassure fans that Mokgokoloshi was alive and well. They warned their followers to beware of fake news and stated, “Granny is alive and well.