Actress Nupi Makhobo lands first film role after 47 years in the industry

Veteran actress Nupi Makhobo is reflecting on 47 years in the industry after landing her first movie role.

Nupi, who started acting in the 1970s, is known for her parts in TV shows The Throne, Rhythm City, and Saints & Sinners, among others.

“My journey in acting has been successful and not that there is no money in acting, but there's more money behind the scenes where I've cemented myself as a crew member. In the middle of my acting career, years ago, I conceived a baby which led me to stay home and take care of the baby. When I made my return to the industry I opted for behind-the-scenes roles because I'm passionate about acting. I think acting is something I was born with,” she told TshisaLIVE.

The 67-year-old actress was recently included in the cast of a new South African film Sabbatical, where she plays the role of Maggie, one of a group of women who fall for a pyramid scheme scam.

“I'm grateful to Karabo Lediga, the director of the film, because over the years I have worked with Diprente (production company) but as a crew member. In my 47 years in the acting scene I've done almost everything in the industry and I know everything but to act in a film or movie. This is my first movie. My audition for the role in this film was 'Self Tape' and it is difficult — to a point where chances of you earning a role are slim.”