Where did actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi (Koko Mantsha) from Skeem Saam disappear to?

South African legendary actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi is best known for her roles in Sepedi drama Bophelo ke Semphekgo and SABC1 soapie Skeem Saam as Koko Mantsha.

Here’s what you didn’t know about the actress:

Fans of the award-winning actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi have wondered why she doesn’t appear in Skeem Saam, where she plays the role of Katlego Peterson’s grandmother Koko Mantsha.

Sowetan reported in July 2020 that the legendary actress has taken a break from acting after playing Koko Mantsha since the soapie’s inception in 2011.

The educational soapie revealed to the publication that Mokgokoloshi is still part of the show on a recurring basis, although viewers will see less of her on screen.

The soapie’s spokesperson Sumanya Mogola said: “She will still be in and out of the story. She just won’t be shooting as much as she used to. Our shooting schedule gets really hectic at times and we don’t want to wear her out. She is at a very sensitive age so she needs as much rest, care, and comfort as possible.”

She took a break from the show in 2020 when her character moved away from Turfloop in Limpopo (where the storyline is predominantly based) to her home.

Death hoax brings luck to Skeem Saam actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi

Following fake news that Skeem Saam actress Lydia “Koko Mantsha” Mokgokoloshi had died, the Limpopo Artists Movement decided to honour her.

Movement president Mphoza Mashabela told Daily Sun the fake news shocked people but also made them realise Lydia needed to be honoured while she was still alive.

“We realised that throughout her career, she has never been honoured in her own province, yet she’s done so much to put our province on the map,” he said.

Mphoza said that when he heard Lydia had died, he regretted not making her feel appreciated. But feelings of regret turned to relief when news of her death turned out to be false.

“We took the fake news as a sign that we have to appreciate and thank her while she is still alive,” he said.

Mphoza said the forum would also honour Mahotella Queens lead singer, Hilda Tloubatla.

“These two legends have paved the way for our artists.

“They inspired young artists in the province and have travelled around the world representing South Africa,” he said.

Lydia told the People’s Paper she has been acting for almost 40 years.

“I’m now 82 and I’ve never been honoured in any way.

“I’m, therefore, excited to finally be honoured in my home province,” she said.

“For me, this means my talent didn’t go to waste.

“I’m glad I’m finally being recognised for my contributions. I’m even more excited that this is happening while I’m still alive.”

The celebration of the artists will be held at their homes in Limpopo on 21 August.

WHO ‘KILLED’ ACTRESS LYDIA MOKGOKOLOSHI (KOKO MANTSHA)? – SKEEM SAAM SPEAKS OUT AS SHE IS IN GOOD HEALTH

The news of the Skeem Saam actress’ death is fake. This was confirmed to the publication by the show’s publicist, Sumaya Magola, who after the news started circulating on social media contacted Lydia Mokgokoloshi, who plays Koko Mantsha on the show. She confirmed to the publication that she is in good health.

“We don’t know where the news came from. She is alive and well. I just spoke to her on the phone moments ago,” said Sumaya.

The fake news of her passing has been trending and tributes have since been pouring in.

The 80-year-old actress, who has been with the show since it started on SABC 1 in 2011, has been shooting less since the start of the pandemic last year.

The show shared that she needed to rest as she’s at a sensitive age.

“She will still be in and out of the story. She won’t be shooting as much as she used to. Our shooting schedule gets hectic at times and we don’t want to wear her out. She needs as much rest, care, and comfort as possible,” said Sumaya.

The fake news of her death comes just over a week after the burial of Sis Ouma played by Nokuzola Mlengana.

She’s very much ALIVE!!Please stop spreading rumours.. don’t write about unverified passing of people just for clout! ?I spoke to her 20 mins ago and the first thing she asks me is “o kwele??” #kokomantsha @SkeemSaam3 pic.twitter.com/hELtOKk5Pb

— Makgofe Moagi (@MakgofeD) July 24, 2021

Other Skeem Saam cast members who died recently include Charles Maja, who played Big Boy, Karabo Mokhubela, who played Jazzy T and Mahuma Paul Rapetsoa, who played Malome Josias.

Thema Mokoena, who played Ramolao (Sis Ouma’s husband) passed away in June 2019.

Fellow actress Makgofe Moagi tweeted: “She’s very much ALIVE!! Please stop spreading rumours.. don’t write about unverified passing of people just for clout! Pouting faceI spoke to her 20 mins ago and the first thing she asks me is “o kwele??”

SKEEM SAAM ACTRESS LYDIA MOKGOKOLOSHI (KOKO MANTSHA) RUBBISHES DEATH RUMOURS

A Facebook post claiming that legendary actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi popularly known as Koko Mantsha on Skeem Saam has died is FALSE. The post has caused a lot of unnecessary panic on social media.

Entertainment Commentator Phil Mphela has rubbished the reports. He confirmed that the Skeem Saam actress is alive.

He tweeted: “Tweets and reports that Mme Lydia Mokgokoloshi has passed are FALSE. Nkoko Mantsha, as she is affectionately known to Skeem Saam fans, is alive. The FB page reporting this is NOT an SABC creates page.”

Responding to Phil’s tweet, Tebogo made people aware that spreading such malicious lies can land them in jail.

People are spreading fake news, and spreading fake news is a criminal offense that can land you in jail. The SABC hasn’t announced anything yet about her passing.”

NOTE:

Tweets and reports that Mme Lydia Mokgokoloshi has passed are FALSE

Nkoko Mantsha, as she is affectionately known to Skeem Saam fans, is alive.

The FB page reporting this is NOT an SABC creates page. pic.twitter.com/mGcpWASpqf

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) July 24, 2021

NOTE:

Tweets and reports that Mme Lydia Mokgokoloshi has passed are FALSE

Nkoko Mantsha, as she is affectionately known to Skeem Saam fans, is alive.

The FB page reporting this is NOT an SABC creates page. pic.twitter.com/mGcpWASpqf

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) July 24, 2021

Our Koko is alive and well https://t.co/YNPA1Fkf8v

— OFFICIAL Skeem Saam 9 (@SkeemSaam3) July 24, 2021