Who is Lydia Mokgokoloshi? Age, child, spouse, Skeem Saam, salary, and is she alive?

Who is Lydia Mokgokoloshi? Age, child, spouse, Skeem Saam, salary, and is she alive?

You may recognise her as one of South Africa's most loved grannies, but Koko Mantsha's real name is Lydia Mokgokoloshi. This talented actress has blessed our local screens with her characters since the 1990s, and at 81 years old, she is still going strong! Many fans are worried about missing the face of Koko Mantsha on their screens, but we have confirmation that she will still be gracing us with her presence.

Lydia Mokgokoloshi
The community of Turfloop often seeks Koko Mantsha's advice, as she is believed to be clairvoyant. Photo: @SkeemSaam
Source: Facebook

For many years, the lovely actress has charmed South African television, and she is also the recipient of numerous awards. Join us as we discover fascinating facts about her life and career.

Lydia Mokgokoloshi's profile

  • Full Name: Lydia Mokgokoloshi
  • Gender: Female
  • Date of Birth: 27 September 1939
  • Lydia Mokgokoloshi’s age: 81 (2020)
  • Zodiac: Libra
  • Place of birth: Botlokwan, Polokwane
  • Current residence: Soweto
  • Nationality: South African
  • Ethnicity: Black
  • Eye colour: brown
  • Hair colour: brown
  • Siblings: Mahuma Rapetsoa; deceased (2020)
  • Lydia Mokgokoloshi's spouse: Deceased (1990's)
  • Lydia Mokgokoloshi's child: Deceased (2003)
  • Dependants: She cares for her grandchildren
  • School: Teaching Diploma at Mokopane
  • Occupation: Actress, educator

Read also

Nokuzola Mlengana, 'Sis Ouma' bio: age, husband, cause of death, Skeem Saam

Lydia Mokgokoloshi
Award winning Lydia Mokgokoloshi has been on screen since the 1990s. Photo: @SAFTAS
Source: Original

Lydia Mokgokoloshi's family of five lived in Botlokwan, Limpopo. She spent her early years at Manthata Tribal School, followed by Botlokwa Primary. She attended Mokomene High School, where she was inspired by Mr D. Sekgota.

Lydia Mokgokoloshi’s biography

Mokgokoloshi's goal was to become a teacher, like her father and Mr Sekgota, so she applied for training at Mokopane. She received her diploma and was a teacher in Limpopo for ten years before she bought a house in Soweto. She continued teaching until her retirement in 1997, and only after that did Mokgokoloshi take to the entertainment business.

Mokgokoloshi shares qualities with Koko Mantsha in real life, as she is also a grandmother who cares deeply for her family. Her only son died in 2003, and since then, Lydia Mokgokoloshi's house has been a safe haven for his children.

Lydia Mokgokoloshi
The cast of Skeem Saam showing off some local fashion in 2016. Photo: @SkeemSaam
Source: Facebook

Lydia Mokgokoloshi’s career

Lydia Mokgokoloshi's debut role was as the evil mother-in-law, Mma-Nkosheng, on Bophelo ke Semphekgo in the 1990s.

Read also

Tinah Mnumzana: age, husband, career, P.O.B., The River, net worth

After that, Lydia made appearances on other local shows such as Muvhango and Ngwanaka Okae, and since 2011, Lydia Mokgokoloshi plays ‘Koko’ in Skeem Saam.

Lydia Mokgokoloshi’s awards

  • South African Film and Television awards presented her with a Lifetime achievement award in 2017.
  • A Golden Horn Award in celebration of her role in Skeem Saam.

Lydia Mokgokoloshi's net worth

Along with Shoki Sebotsana, Mokgokoloshi is one of the highest-paid actresses on Skeem Saam. With a net worth of around $200 000, Lydia Mokgokoloshi's salary is estimated between R35,000 and R50,000.

Lydia Mokgokoloshi
At 81 years of age, Lydia Mokgokoloshi will still be gracing our screens. Photo: @SkeemSaam3
Source: Twitter

Is Lydia Mokgokoloshi still alive?

It has been officially confirmed that Mokgokoloshi is not dead, contrary to a statement posted on an unverified SABC 1 Facebook page. This fake news soon went viral over Twitter as well, as condolences flooded through from despairing fans.

Read also

Lebohang Mokoena bio: profile, stats, salary net worth, wife

How old is Lydia Mokgokoloshi?

Mama Mokgokoloshi is currently 81 years old. She will be celebrating her next birthday in September 2021. This typical Libra lady is diplomatic and idealistic, and seems to always have something to offer to her community.

Is Lydia Mokgokoloshi leaving Skeem Saam?

Koko Mantsha will continue to appear on the show but not as frequently as before. According to the Skeem Saam spokesperson, Sumaya Mogola, the decision was made to reduce her screentime because the strenuous hours on set could have a negative effect on her health, and the team wants to give Lydia the chance to rest up whenever necessary.

Lydia Mokgokoloshi
An unverified Facebook page falsified reports of Lydia Mokgokoloshi's death. Photo: @SkeemSaam
Source: Twitter

Is Koko Mantsha from Skeem Saam dead?

Fans received quite a shock when the lovely Koko Mantsha decided to leave Turfloop, Limpopo, where the storyline of Skeem Saam is predominantly situated. Although she will not appear on the show as regularly, have no fear because Koko is well and truly alive.

Read also

Here is all to know about Sthandiwe Msomi

Lydia Mokgokoloshi
Who is Lydia Mokgokoloshi? This article unravels her age, children, spouse, the Skeem Saam role, her salary, and much more! Photo: @skeemsaam
Source: Facebook

Lydia Mokgokoloshi has been an influential woman in her community for the majority of her life. She spent many years giving back to the youth as a teacher and uplifting the communities in Limpopo and Soweto. She continues to bless us with her presence on Skeem Saam, stating that she aims to inspire parents and children to form healthier and stronger relationships with one another.

READ ALSO: Halala: Former 'Imbewu' Star Fundi Zwane Joins 'Skeem Saam', to Make Debut Soon

Briefly.co.za has more on Fundi Zwane, a former Imbebwu star, who will be introduced into the Skeem Saam story as Nandi.

You may be sad to see less of Koko Mantsha on your screens, but the new addition to the Skeem Saam team will uplift your mood. Join us as we discover more about Fundi Zwane!

Read also

Gaosi Raditholo's bio: age, partner, family, Muvhango, career, best pics

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Levana Chester-Londt avatar

Levana Chester-Londt Levana started writing about art history in 2009 at the University of Johannesburg, where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art. She now writes about a range of topics, including news, lifestyle hacks, anime, celebrities and more. You will usually find a paintbrush in her hand during her spare time as she creates artworks for Levana Jane Studios.