Kgoroge cannot be put in a box
SHE is known as one of the most creative stars in Mzansi but don’t ever think of putting Sthandiwe Kgoroge in a box.
Kgoroge first shot into the mainstream spotlight decades ago‚ playing the role of twin sisters Zoleka and Zinzi in Generations . It’s a role that she‚ to this day‚ is remembered fondly for.
“People still refer to me by my old character’s names,” Kgoroge said.
“It’s humbling to know that I still have a part in some people’s lives‚” she said.
But the acting role came as a surprise to Kgoroge – she wasn’t even planning to audition for the soapie.
“I had just started at SAfm and my friend asked me to take her to an audition for Generations.
“I was there and acting like a cool person when Mfundi Vundla [creator of the show] came out and just started chatting. He asked me what I was doing there, and eventually convinced me to audition.
“I went in with no prepa and really no fear‚ and I got the job.
“I believe if you are meant for a job‚ it will find you. Even if you are sitting in a parking lot thinking you are too cool‚” Kgoroge said.
A creative at heart‚ Kgoroge said she made her own costumes during the show.
“As a creative, you are never done. One day you are in front of the camera and the next day you are painting and the following day you are producing something or opening a shop.
“You can’t be put into a box because your mind is always creating‚” she said.
It’s this flair for the creative that has seen the star’s children rush to show their mother off to all their friends.
“The one thing they [my children] have taught me is that I am great and that I am hilarious. “They think I’m so cool. “When I drop them off at school in my Simon and Mary hats and clothes that I have designed‚ they want me to come and greet their friends.”
She said besides being constantly inspired‚ she has learnt that to survive in the industry, she has had to dabble in several different ventures‚ including fashion and production.
“There are only so many platforms available for actors. What are they supposed to do when that is their only job? Acting is their daily bread.
“How are they supposed to support themselves and their families?
“People who criticise are the ones who have a solid paycheck and medical aid‚ but as actors we grab what we can get to make ends meet.
“Why do you think that this is one of the only industries where‚ when someone dies‚ everyone regroups and pools resources to support the family? Because for many, this is literally all they have‚” Kgoroge said. — TMG Digital