Johannesburg – Seventeen-year-old Mosa Nkwashu, hailing from Mahwelereng, Mokopane in Limpopo, is captivating audiences with her portrayal of Lewatle, a grade 10 pupil, in the popular SABC1 drama series, Skeem Saam.
While still navigating her own teenage years, Nkwashu finds the role both challenging and rewarding, offering her a glimpse into experiences beyond her own.
"Lewatle is a very interesting character to portray, as she faces certain situations I personally haven't faced," Nkwashu shared.
"It’s interesting to put myself in her shoes and explore the character and the different situations teenage girls out there experience."
She finds Lewatle particularly fascinating due to the complexities of being raised by a single father, a dynamic she finds captivating and insightful.
The actress appreciates the unique challenges her role presents.
"I enjoy portraying my character because it's not an easy one to portray because Lewatle and I are different individuals and that change challenges me," she explained.
Nkwashu admires Lewatle's bold personality, although she acknowledges the nuances of her character.
"Lewatle is outspoken and speaks her mind, but this only applies to her small circle and the people she's always around. I wouldn’t say I like anything less about my character because there's someone else out there who is like the character I portray and my goal is to be relatable when portraying the character," she stated.
Beyond the entertainment value, Nkwashu highlights valuable life lessons gleaned from portraying Lewatle.
"I’ve seen that it’s difficult for both single mums and single dads to raise a child. It may be difficult in different ways, but the fact remains that it's a difficult task. I also learnt that as teenagers it's easy to be gullible over a crush and that it's important for young girls to practise self-love and make responsible decisions even when they are the least popular decisions to make," she reflected.
Balancing her acting career with her matric studies and modelling commitments, Nkwashu expresses gratitude for the overwhelming support she receives. She embraces the wisdom of the adage, "It takes a village to raise a child," and its isiZulu equivalent, "motho ke motho ka batho," acknowledging the profound impact of community support.
"The endless love and support from my communities and social media is really appreciated and never unforeseen. I appreciate you all and the love and support make my job easier. It further affirms that my dreams are valid, and I need to keep going," she concluded.
Nkwashu's journey as both a young woman and a rising star showcases the power of embracing challenges and the importance of community in shaping personal growth. Her portrayal of Lewatle not only entertains but also offers valuable insights into the complexities of teenage life, resonating with audiences across South Africa.
