96-year-old Gogo scores a role on Muvhango

Gogo Tshinakaho Mananga’s dream of being an on-screen actress has finally come true.

The 96-year-old from Tshedzani Village, Limpopo, will soon make her debut on SABC2’s popular Venda soapie, Muvhango.

She will play the role of Vho-Nyadzenga, an ancestor who had been a high-ranking member of the royal family.

She first appears on screen when she pops up on the royal chair in the palace and introduces herself to Lindelani, leaving her frightened.

She is Lindelani’s guide. She’s there to assist her in becoming the renowned sangoma Vho-Nyadzanga, which then becomes Lindelani’s highly-respected name.

Vho-Nyadzanga and Lindelani start off on the wrong foot with a relationship driven by fear.

But as the show goes on, Lindelani accepts her calling which takes her family by surprise.

The gogo said she has been leading an ordinary life, living with her makoti and her grandkids until she was cast as an extra on Muvhango during a location shoot in Venda.

Later when the show was looking to fill the role of Vho-Nyadzenda, she ticked all the boxes.

“I prayed for Muvhango to call me back with a role and shortly afterwards, my prayers were answered. I was happy,” she said.

Tshinakaho said her breakthrough serves as a reminder that you’re never too old to pursue your dreams.

The gogo, who can neither read nor write, relies on her casting agent Nonkululeko Ndlovu to help with her lines. show was looking to fill the role of Vho-Nyadzenda, she ticked all the boxes.

“I prayed for Muvhango to call me back with a role and shortly afterwards, my prayers were answered. I was happy,” she said.

Tshinakaho said her breakthrough serves as a reminder that you’re never too old to pursue your dreams.

“Gogo Mananga is a natural on set and easily grasps her lines as well as takes directions as per her role.”