Motlatsi Mafatshe (born on November 3rd, 1983; Age: 40 years old) is an award-winning South African actor, director, musician, and TV presenter best known for playing Sechaba Moloi in the SABC3 soapie, Isidingo for a little over ten years (2010-2020). He is currently recognized for his role as Uncle Molefe in House of Zwide.
Though harboring the desire to become a pilot, Mafatshe eventually let go of his dream to pursue a passion he has for performing arts. He began with film directing and accidentally transitioned into an actor on set. Since then, he has gone on to become Mzansi’s heartthrob actor, mostly for his comic roles on screen.
Motlatsi Mafatshe’s Biography Summary
- Full name: Motlatsi Mafatshe
- Nickname: MoMoney / Tlatsi
- Gender: Male
- Date of birth: November 3rd, 1983
- Motlatsi Mafatshe’s Age: 40 years old
- Ethnicity: Black
- Nationality: South African
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Religion: Christian
- Marital Status: Married
- Motlatsi Mafatshe’s Wife: Millicent Nkangane (m. 2014)
- Motlatsi Mafatshe’s Children: 2 sons; Lefatshe and Akabongwe Mafatshe
- Motlatsi Mafatshe’s Parents: Catherine Nomgqibelo Woye Mafatshe (mother)
- Siblings: Two
- Motlatsi Mafatshe’s Net worth: R2 million
- Famous for: His roles as Sechaba Moloi in Isidingo, Uncle Molefe in House of Zwide, and host of Unefa on Mzansi Magic
- Motlatsi Mafatshe’s Instagram: @tlatsi83
- Twitter: @Tlatsi
- Facebook: @Motlatsi Mafatshe
How Old is Motlatsi Mafatshe?
In Soweto, South Africa, renowned actor and director Motlatsi Mafatshe was born on November 3rd, 1983, making him 40 years old. Apparently, the actor looks younger than his age. He surprised his fans during his birthday celebration in November 2021 when he revealed that he would be celebrating his 38th birthday with his single release.
Many of his fans were in disbelief of his age as most of them thought that Motlatsi Mafatshe was still in his late 20s or early 30s, going by his looks. At 40, the Soweto-born star left an indelible mark with his worthwhile efforts as an actor, director, TV presenter, and music artist.
Where is Motlatsi Mafatshe from?
Motlatsi Mafatshe was born and raised by his parents in Soweto, South Africa. He once stated in an interview that because he was raised in the streets of Soweto, people often considered him to be uneducated. As a result, it has become a motivation for him to prove them wrong with his achievements.
The actor grew up aspiring to be a pilot, and with his mother working as a guidance counselor in school, he had all the support needed to venture into any career path.
After trying out plane driving while in high school, the actor decided to pursue a career in arts as he wasn’t satisfied with the experience. He has credited his successful journey as an entertainer to his mother, who has constantly shown him huge support at every stage. Little wonder, he, alongside his two siblings, surprised their mum in 2018 with an expensive car gift during her 62nd birthday.
Motlatsi, in his IG post, stated that he is thankful for the sacrifices his mother has made to raise him and his siblings. He is most grateful for her teachings, guidance, support, and inimitable motherly affection. Interestingly, the music artist and his mother are birthday mates.
Motlatsi Mafatshe Attended AFDA and Graduated in 2006
As a young boy, Motlatsi Mafatshe knew that being on television and film was part of his destiny. He then decided to whet his skills at AFDA, the South African School of Motion Picture and Performing Arts. After completing his matric, the former Isidingo star enrolled at the prestigious tertiary institution to study film and arts in the year 2001.
He then graduated in 2006. To remain relevant in the film industry, he moved on to equip himself with more skills. Mafatshe acquired a degree and honors in film production and musical performance. He has since been putting his academic experience and wealth of knowledge to perfect use in his chosen career. No wonder Motlasti Mafatshe has achieved a thriving career as an entertainer.
Isidingo Shot Motlatsi to Superstardom
For more than ten years, Motlatsi Mafatshe heated up screens with the role of Sechaba Moloi in Isidingo. Alongside Lindani Nkosi, Kgomotso Christopher, and Robert Whitehead, he portrayed politically savvy Sechaba, who made it big in Horizon Deep by seizing every opportunity that came his way. By playing the go-getter, scheming character for several years, Mafatshe eventually became the longest-serving actor on the show.
Consequently, the role made him a household name in Mzansi. As one of the fan favorites in Isidingo, Motlatsi Mafatshe was left heartbroken when SABC announced that his beloved show would be canceled in March 2020 for several reasons, including poor audience rating during the time slot and a decline in revenue.
Playing Uncle Molefe in the House of Zwide Made Him More Popular
Soon after House of Zwide debuted in July 2021, Motlasti Mafatshe joined the cast of the show as Uncle Molefe. He portrays the character of Rea’s (Matshepo Maleme) brother and Ona’s (Nefisa Mkhabela) uncle. So far in the series, the actor has never failed to flex his humorous side to good use in bringing the character to life.
As a result, he has captured the hearts of the viewers, as many of them cite his comic role in the drama series as the reason they are still watching House of Zwide. On HOZ, Mafatshe shares the spotlight with Vusi Kunene, Winnie Ntshaba, Khaya Dladla, Shalate Sekhabi, and Wanda Zuma.
After Isidingo, Motlatsi Mafatshe’s Star Glims Brighter
Even though the news to cancel Isidingo was met with disappointment and shock from fans and those within the industry, the drama series was eventually cancelled in March 2020. The cancellation, however, affected Motlatsi Mafatshe for a while, but he later bounced back from the shock and has become very busy in recent years. In that same 2020, he had roles in How to Ruin Christmas and Black Tax.
He also replaced Aubrey Poo as Karabo in the second season of Bone of My Bones. Additionally, he played the role of Fose in The River in the same year. And the actor shared the screen with Simphiwe Ngema, Kabelo Moalusi, and Solomon Sebothoma. Later in the next year, he bagged a number of new gigs including playing the much-loved character, Uncle Molefe in House of Zwide. He also starred as Trevor in the TV movie, One Night kwa Mxolisi.
As if that wasn’t enough, he bagged a new presenting gig on Mzansi Magic in that same 2021. Before joining the cast of Isidingo, Motlatsi Mafatshe played the role of Casper in When We Were Black from 2006 to 2007. Sokhulu and Partners II, Wild at Heart, Emoyeni, uGugu no Andile, and Elalini are other TV series credits in the actor’s rich portfolio.
Furthermore, he has been featured in several film productions throughout his career. They include Brothers in Arms: 1978, State of Violence, Mrs. Right Guy, Fanie Fourie’s Lobola, 10 Days in Sun City, and Love Lives Here.
List of Motlatsi Mafatshe’s Movies and TV Shows
Movies
- Brothers in Arms: 1978 (2007) as Dalgado
- State of Violence (2010) as Chappies
- Otelo Burning (2011) as Blade
- Gog’ Helen (2012) as Garbage Boy
- Zama Zama (2012) as Benjamin
- Fanie Fourie’s Lobola (2013) as Mandla
- Mrs. Right Guy (2016) as Traffic Cop
- 10 Days in Sun City (2017) as Comedy Club DJ
- Love Lives Here (2019) as Duke
- One Night kwa Mxolisi (2021) as Trevor
TV Shows
- Zaziwa as Himself
- Wild at Heart as David Kagona
- Thuli noThulani as Masego
- Sokhulu and Partners as Litha Zwane
- Shooting Stars as Wandile Dhlomo
- The River as Fose
- uGugu no Andile as Mxolisi
- When We Were Black as Casper
- Single Guyz as Taps
- Mtunzini.com as Tuks
- Isidingo as Sechaba Moloi
- House of Zwide as Uncle Molefe
- It’s Complicated as Thabang
- Home Affairs as Kwazi
- How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding as Themba Twala
- How to Ruin Christmas: The Funeral as Themba Twala
- Black Tax as Nkanyiso
- Emoyeni as Zero
- Hola Mpinji! as Last Born
- Elalini as Moses
- Bone of My Bones as Karabo Mohlala
Tlatsi’s Directing/Voice-Over Roles
MoMoney initially began his career as a film director. He transitioned into an actor on one occasion, he was trying to improve an actor’s performance by acting out the role, and his performance got him included among the film’s cast members. Afterward, he bagged another directing gig with Isidingo, where he moved from directing several scenes to many episodes.
Later in 2019, he further worked as the director of the romantic-comedy movie Love Lives Here. He now aspires to direct a musical film in the coming years. Interestingly, Motlatsi Mafatshe has also served as the producer of a movie titled, A Journey of 9mm. A talented voice-over artist, the film director has lent his voice to TV series such as Umshado Wethu on Moja Love, Shaka Inkosi Yamakhosi, and Celebrity Mystery Box.
The TV Star Bagged a Presenting Gig in 2021
In the year 2021, Mafatshe debuted as the host of Mzansi Magic’s brand new docu-reality series, Unefa. The show follows the lives of South Africans who are unaware that they have unclaimed inheritances left by their late family members. Motlatsi Mafatshe, as the host, breaks the surprising news to them, letting viewers into the overwhelming emotions expressed by the beneficiaries.
He returned as the show’s presenter in July 2022, when Unefa was renewed for a second season. Motlatsi has continued to take viewers on a reflective and heartwarming journey as Unefa doesn’t only entertain and educate but changes lives.
Motlatsi Mafatshe’s Musical Career Endeavours
At a young age, the award-winning actor followed up his passion for music by joining his church choir. Since making headway in showbiz, he has been creating music that most people have not heard before. He is into old-school funk, rhythmic blues, pop, and kwaito music but cites that he doesn’t do Amapiano as it comes and goes.
Motlatsi Mafatshe founded the musical band Mo & The Dark Knights, and serves as the band’s songwriter. In 2012, his band was the opening act for Usher Raymond at the Hansa Festival of Legends. Furthermore, he composes theme music and title sequence for the sitcom, It’s For Life. He has thus far released more than 400 songs for which he has collaborated with big names in the music industry.
In November 2019, Motlatsi released a single titled, ‘Thando’ featuring Siya Shezi. Then celebrating his birthday in 2021, he dropped another single, ‘Monate Fela’ ft Rufi and Assessa. Some of the songs released by Uncle Molefe from House of Zwide include:
- Thando
- Falling
- Monate Fela
Motlatsi Mafatshe’s Awards and Nominations
For his successful works in the entertainment industry, Motlatsi Mafatshe has bagged a handful of award nominations, of which he has won some. In 2007, the actor was named one of the top 100 South Africans by The Star Newspaper.
Following his extraordinary performances in Isidingo for several years, the 40 years old was handed Royalty Soapie Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a TV Soap in 2015 and 2018.
Over the years, he has scooped the following award nominations:
- 2012 SAFTA Golden Horn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama (Sokhulu and Partners II)
- 2012 SAFTA Golden Horn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film (State of Violence)
- 2015 SAFTA Golden Horn Award nomination for Best Actor in a TV Soap (Isidingo)
- 2016 SAFTA Golden Horn Award nomination for Best Actor in a TV Soap (Isidingo)
- 2021 SAFTA Golden Horn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Comedy (How to Ruin Christmas)
- 2022 SAFTA Audience Award nomination for Most Popular TV Presenter
- 2022 SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Best Actor in a TV Comedy (Black Tax)
Motlatsi Mafatshe Met His Wife at Church
According to reports, Motlatsi and his gorgeous wife, Millicent Nkangane, are childhood sweethearts. They got acquainted in a church where the actor was in the choir. While it was love at first sight for Motlatsi Mafatshe, it took his bae some time to be convinced about her feelings for the Soweto-born.
The cute couple has been together since their first meeting. As best of friends, they still consider themselves as people who are still dating, having decided not to take marital life too seriously.
Who is Motlatsi Mafatshe’s Wife?
Motlatsi Mafatshe’s wife, Millicent Nkangane, is a fashion designer who’s also a star in her own right. The pair exchanged marital vows in November 2014 after being in a long-term relationship. Although Millicent avoids being in the limelight, she occasionally shares her family life with her social media fans. Born in 1987, the skilled fashion designer celebrated her 30th birthday in the year 2017.
She took to Instagram to sing praises of her hubby whom she credits for making her the best. Despite being together for more than 15 years, Motlatsi’s better half cites that she looks forward to spending many blissful years with her bestie. She knew the House of Zwide star when he was a nobody and believed in him. As a result, Motlatsi Mafatshe has stated that Millicent’s support and encouragement made him believe that he could achieve anything.
When asked about the secret to their long-lasting romantic affair, the lovely couple cited that despite their busy schedules, they ensure that they make time for each other. The actor also chipped in that he always treats his sweetheart as if they are still dating and never stops telling her how beautiful she is.
HOZ’s Uncle Molefe is a Proud Father
Two years after exchanging nuptial vows, Molatsi and Millicent’s union was blessed with a son christened Lafatshe Mafatshe. Prior to that, in September 2016, the actor’s wife had a baby shower with her close friends and family. Sharing the good news on Instagram, Motlatsi revealed that fifteen years ago, he and his wife talked about having a son who would be privileged to be part of the best family in the world.
Now that this is becoming a reality, they can’t contain their joy and excitement. A few years later, the couple expanded their family with the arrival of their second son named Akabongwe Mafatshe. The acclaimed actor loves spending time with his boys and hopes to impact their lives positively, so they will grow up to become contributing members of society.
Why The Actor Was Attacked by Pitch Black Afro in 2006
In the early days of his career, Motlatsi Mafatshe found himself in the middle of a crossfire and thought that his chance of breaking into the industry had gone. He made the news after getting involved in a fight that took place during the premiere of the Oscar-winning movie, Tsotsi.
While still a student of AFDA, the then-up-and-coming actor attended the party for Tsotsi with his friends. He was then caught in the middle of a fight when one of his friends snatched away the wig on Pitch Black Afro’s head during an argument. Consequently, a brawl broke out, and while trying to understand what was happening, Motlatsi being in the middle, received a slap from the music star.
He was subsequently escorted out of the building in a lift to avoid attracting media attention. He didn’t lay any charges against Afro as he thought that everyone in the building was drunk, which led to the fight. Thankfully, his career was unaffected by the controversy, and he has been leading a quiet life since then and is well-focused on his family now.
