Lydia Mokgokoloshi (born 27 September 1939) is a South African actress, best known for her role as Koko Mantsha and the mother of Charity Ramabu and grandmother of Katlego (Kat) and Joseph(Jojo) in the SABC 1 soap, Skeem Saam. Her most notable role was as Mma Nkwesheng in the 1980s drama, Bophelo ke Semphekgo.
She was born at a small village outside Polokwane called BOTLOKWA. She was a teacher before she got acting roles
She is well known for acting as Mma Nkwesheng, an evil, cruel mother-in-law on the popular Pedi TV drama, Bophelo ke semphekgo. She has also acted in a number of TV dramas like Ngwanaka Okae, Muvhango, and currently in Skeem Saam.
2017: Lifetime achievement award at the South African Film and Television awards
Fans of the award-winning actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi have wondered why she doesn’t appear in Skeem Saam, where she plays the role of Katlego Peterson’s grandmother Koko Mantsha.
Sowetan reported in July 2020 that the legendary actress has taken a break from acting after playing Koko Mantsha since the soapie’s inception in 2011.
The educational soapie revealed to the publication that Mokgokoloshi is still part of the show on a recurring basis, although viewers will see less of her on screen.
The soapie’s spokesperson Sumanya Mogola said: “She will still be in and out of the story. She just won’t be shooting as much as she used to. Our shooting schedule gets really hectic at times and we don’t want to wear her out. She is at a very sensitive age so she needs as much rest, care and comfort as possible.”
She took a break from the show in 2020 when her character moved away from Turfloop in Limpopo (where the storyline is predominantly based) to her home.
Fans of the actress were let out a breath of relief when the soapie confirmed she is still alive after she fell victim to death hoax in July 2021.
Daily Sun reported that the actress was honoured by the Limpopo Artists Movement following the fake news.
Movement president Mphoza Mashabela told Daily Sun the fake news shocked people but also made them realise Lydia needed to be honoured while she was still alive.
