Thato Molamu: We are on a path to self-destruction if we don’t check ourselves

Thato Molamu has started an academy to help people escape mental slavery and avoid self-destruction.

Thato will be hosting the Girl Without Identity event in Pretoria this week to discuss practical ways to overcome barriers to self-empowerment, entrepreneurship and mental wellness. It will feature Ayanda-Allie Paine, Beth Arendse and Rorisang Thandekiso.

Thato told TshisaLIVE that the past year and a bit had been an emotional rollercoaster that taught him the value of mental health and positivity.

"My experiences have taught me to try to be the best person I can be and not be the source of my own destruction. We don't want to self-destruct because of social pressures. We are on a path to self-destruction if we don’t check on ourselves and correct what we need to."

He said that comparing yourself to someone else was the quickest way to be miserable.

"When you see people driving a Ferrari, you think it is a nice car but you don't know the story behind the Ferrari. You go into debt trying to keep up but it's hurting so many of us when we could be content with what we have."

Thato has received his fair share of hate for some of his roles, with some even criticising his acting. The star said he no longer worries about what others have to say about him and, through meditation, takes so much longer to get angry.

"You have to learn from your surroundings but don't get absorbed by it. You can face a situation but not give into it. You have to look at every challenge as an opportunity."

Thato wishes that he had learnt to be humble and content with what he had earlier in his career.

"If you are not grateful for what you have, you will keep chasing the wrong things. If you keep smiling, you could change everything."