Elizabeth Serunye, the beloved actress known for her stern who plays a lovable character of Principal Thobakgale on SABC1's hit drama series Skeem Saam, has revealed a surprising side to her life: she's content being a single mother and has no plans for a romantic partner.
"I don't need a man in my life. My two sons are enough men for me," Serunye told Daily Sun.
The 53-year-old actress, who has raised her sons as a single mother, believes that the experience has made her a stronger, more independent woman.
"Growing up with boys has made me become two in one. I had to pull on those fists and become a tomboy," she explained.
Her dedication to her sons has been unwavering, leading her to make a firm decision about her personal life.
"There's a choice that I made, that I will never have a partner as long as I'm still raising my boys. That's how far I have gone," she said.
This commitment to her sons has been further solidified by her role on Skeem Saam.
"The strictness of the role has put too much impact on being alone, and it found me still on the route of raising my boys," she said.
The demanding nature of her character, Principal Thobakgale, has seemingly mirrored her own life choices, reinforcing her dedication to her sons' well-being.
When asked if she ever envisioned having a partner in the future, Serunye responded with a playful twist: "Well, we can play. I'm not a saint. But thank you so much. I have my two husbands, Bobby and Spotty."
This lighthearted response reveals a woman who embraces her life choices with humour and self-assurance.
Beyond her personal life, Serunye reflects on the impact of her character on viewers, stating: "I'll forever be the principal because people have learnt so much from her. I've also had a lot of lessons from her. I will remain the principal even in death." This dedication to her craft is evident in her commitment to her role and her desire to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Serunye also shared her views on education and ambition, encouraging young people to prioritize their studies: "Firstly, have your matric because Umalusi is a key for everything. Be serious about what you want. Many people are called, but a few are chosen."
Her words reflect a strong belief in the power of education and the importance of pursuing one's dreams with determination.
When it comes to her career, Serunye is clear about her passion: "Acting is my life. I can't imagine myself doing something else. I've tried working retail in different industries, but I can't stand eight hours while someone is looking at me and commanding me to take papers and put them somewhere."
This unwavering commitment to her craft is a testament to her love for acting and her desire to continue pursuing her passion throughout her life.
