Thapelo Mokoena on longevity: ‘You have to do this thing every day like you are doing it for the first time’

Actor Thapelo Mokoena says respect for his craft and people are the reasons he's still thriving in the acting industry 21 years later.

He told TshisaLIVE nothing works in silos and this is what has made his 21 years in showbiz seem like a natural flow, because he has managed to ace the basics of longevity in an industry known to be cut throat. 

“You have to do this thing every day like you are doing it for the first time. Your hunger has to be the same as before you got on to the stage to play with the big players. The consistent part of what this is, is that it's an art form,” he said

Thapelo said acting is a skill and a job like any other job, and when walking onto a set he treats it like walking into an office.

“I've got to respect my office and for me the respect that I've given the game and the respect it has given me back has been a fair exchange. Because I respect the art and I'm purely here for the arts, the rest will follow. The point is, I took a decision to embrace this thing because it moves me and every time I go into the shoes of other people, I have a compassion and a respect for humanity that was deeper than before,” he said.

He said he gives himself therapy through the characters he plays.

“So respect the game, respect the people and longevity becomes an inherent part of the journey. I've never not worked and I credit that to the respect and the prayer when I left my house at the age of 17. When I left my mother's house they sent me out with prayers. Respect and humility are the things that prepare the world for you. It is simple. We like to philosophise but it's pretty simple. Respect everything you touch and the people around it and watch what happens. I'm grateful.”