Actor Malema on Scandal! lockdown, cooking...
Actor Thabo Malema speaks about his latest role as police captain Bohang on e.tv soapie Scandal!; life under lockdown; and his newly found culinary skills.
Born in Mapobane, outside Pretoria, Malema is an Afda graduate with a BA degree in live performances. He is currently furthering his communication and language degree with Unisa.
The 35-year-old actor has amassed a large repertoire of screen roles from a young age, including starring in the blockbuster Kalushi; The No 1 Detective Agency, alongside Grammy award singer Jill Scott; award-winning A Million Colours: and White Lion.
Malema speaks to The Citizen about his career and life as an actor working during the coronavirus pandemic.
What’s the one thing you love about your character?
Hahaha… not much to be honest. The character of Bohang is a wolf in sheep’s clothing; a master at hiding his true intentions; a true emotional manipulator and that’s far from who I am as Thabo Malema.
Bohang is a jealous ticking time bomb. I do, however, appreciate the lessons coming from this storyline. Our country has been facing the issue around gender-based violence and I feel this storyline will open people’s eyes to an abuser mindset.
One thing that you don’t like?
His abusive and vindictive nature.
What can viewers expect from your storyline going forward?
More and more scandal, hahaha... I look forward to the hate tweets directed at Bohang’s character.
What is one thing fans would be surprised to find out about you?
I think a few people know this, but I’m a farmer and the biggest fan of nature. If I’m not reading or learning a new language, I’m at the farm outside of Johannesburg.
If you weren’t an actor, what else would you have pursued?
I’m already in farming but would have pursued a career in academia.
What shows do you watch in your downtime?
I spend time on Netflix, watching intriguing performance-driven narratives. Eish…
I’m not much of a cook but I did learn a thing or two during the lockdown. I can easily make the best chicken wrap you’ve ever tasted and cottage pie.