Ak’siSpaza
Season 1 SABC2 (*192) 21:30 Comedy
“When it comes to spaza security staff, Puleng is as incompetent as they come,” says Mapaseka Koetle-Nyokong (Dintle since 2013 in soapie Scandal!, 2005now, see p35) of her character in new comedy series Ak’siSpaza. “From day 1, Puleng made her own rules. She won’t wear her uniform, and her figure-hugging outfits and heels prevent her from patrolling the shop floor or observing suspicious customers. You’ll rather find her sitting in the kitchen, filing her nails and vlogging,” explains Mapaseka.
For Puleng, working at the spaza is a matter of convenience. If the security guard had it her way, she’d be a social media influencer. “Puleng dreams of travelling the world, meeting celebs, and getting paid to try on make-up and clothes,” says Mapaseka, adding that her character is struggling to break into the competitive influencer world. “She has resorted to praying for a wealthy man to walk into the spaza, sweep her off her feet and save her from working a nine-to-five. Puleng is actually that self-entitled,” explains the actress.
Going from soap to sitcom was easy for Mapaseka. “I’m quick on my feet and the script allows improv, which is right up my alley,” says the 32-year-old. The real challenge was shaping her new character as Puleng and Dintle share similar personality traits. “They’re feisty and seductive, and they desire the finer things in life. I was afraid that viewers would battle to distinguish between the two,” reveals Mapaseka, adding that “I enjoy playing both characters at the same time. I’ve portrayed Dintle for eight years and know her like the back of my hand. I’m glad to have breathed life into my new role as Puleng.”