LAST WORD

Thapelo Mokoena. Actor

Thapelo Mokoena’s perfect Sunday

On a good day,

I wake up and go for a run. That’s the best way to start the day in my book. Running in the morning provides some valuable psychological and physiological benefits that help speed up my progress, release some endorphins and take the day by the horns. It also helps with being alert in the morning which allows me to better focus on the tasks at hand, increasing my productivity.

I am mostly at work

in the afternoons. When I am not working, the outdoors is a great place for my family and me to get together, weather permitting. The fresh air is invigorating and energising, and it allows for bonding between my son, my wife and me.

The outdoors is great for my son

because he needs to go out and spend his fair share of time amidst nature for his optimal development. The outdoors also sparks some of the best family conversation, and provides me the opportunity to share my love for the outdoors with my family.

All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.

There’s nothing like the combination of fresh air and physical activity to make one feel good while fuelling creativity. What’s not to love about that?

I’m big on walks

and I like taking evening walks and runs. It’s also always a good time to have good wine and a meal.

Most late evenings are for work.

I truly enjoy working late at night. It’s peaceful and the Jozi night has its own special ambience, in comparison to the rural parts of our country, where I come from.

The ideal Sunday food?

Light and healthy vegetables, sweet potatoes and good meats — with a glass of champagne on top! I would eat this food anywhere and everywhere and the preparation would depend on where I am at the time.

The best Sunday read

is Hugh Masekela’s Still Grazing. I plan on finishing it one of these days.

The soundtrack

to my perfect Sunday would be Stimela, Fela Kuti, Mos Def, Common and Kaytranada. Don’t forget the Black Panther soundtrack, which is going to become a classic in its own right.

But in an ideal world,

I would be travelling extensively. Cuba for miles of white sand beaches, small tucked-away towns, striking architecture, clear blue waters and the best cigars in the world. Or Salvador because of its incredible arts movements, unmatched energy and unadorned beauty.

The microcosm of Africa,

Kenya, also features on my list of dream destinations. The greatest wildlife show on Earth boasts spectacular national parks, wildlife and harbours, which promise an experience that’s both spiritually moving and visually luminous.

I would definitely spend a travelling Sunday

with my family and alternatively with my brothers. It is a great way of deepening and strengthening the bonds between us and generating a rich tapestry of shared experiences and reference points.

Travelling has opened my eyes

to so many wondrous things about my family. They bring the best out in me and help me to conquer my fears and doubts. They show me how to look at the world with wide-open eyes and truly appreciate everything.

My family and I

have also learnt that home is wherever we are all together, whether it’s a house or hotel — it makes no difference at all. I wouldn’t travel without them, they enhance my journey so much.