Actor, presenter and entrepreneur, Thabiso Molokomme, is no stranger to South Africa’s television audience. He is popularly known for his role as the troublesome ‘Paxton Kgomo’ on SABC 1’s drama series Skeem Saam. 

Born and bred in Limpopo, the 23-year-old creative believes in hard work and spreading joy. 

“I literally live up to my name. Not only have I brought joy into my family, but I think I also bring joy to the people I meet.”

Speaking to Nounouche, he expressed how his upbringing has contributed immensely to the level-headed young man he is today. 

“I was raised mostly by my grandmother and my mother. I was brought up in a Christian home and Sundays were for church. 

Being introduced to God has been the best gift that my family has ever given me,” he shared. 

As someone who has given his life to Christ, Molokomme highlighted that his faith is what guides the decisions he makes and the relationships he forms. 

Success – what his mother knew for sure 

The award-winning actor also shared how his mother has played a significant role in ensuring that he ventures into acting and builds a thriving career. 

“I always speak about my mom everywhere I go. She has played such a significant role in my life. Growing up, I was not the smartest kid but she never gave up on me,” said the actor. 

It was on the eve of an intimidating matric exam when Molokomme sat at home feeling extremely overwhelmed. As soon as his mother returned from work, he vented to her about the pressure of matric. He also detailed how hard and overwhelming it was to try and study.  

“She asked me to sit down and told me that whatever happens in that exam, whether I  pass or fail, she knows that I will always be successful. Hearing her say that statement changed my life. Every burden I had carried on my shoulders was lifted,” he recalls. 

Fortunately, he passed his matric well and was accepted at the University of Johannesburg. It was also at this time when his wish to be on television was at its strongest. His mother encouraged him to join an agency. 

“After joining an agency, I auditioned for an entire year and didn’t get anything until the second year when YoTV came up.  I got the gig after six rounds of auditions. 

After being on YoTV for a year, Skeem Saam approached me to come and audition. That’s how I got to be on TV,” he explained. 

Fully embracing the world of television 

Undoubtedly, his journey as an actor on one of South Africa’s most popular TV shows has come with plenty of challenges and lessons. 

Starting out as inexperienced and working alongside seasoned thespians on a big platform did not come without social media criticism and ridiculing. 

“People were coming for me when they didn’t even know me. But how I overcame it was that I acknowledged I was new to the industry. I took a lot of acting classes. I was so intentional when it came to enhancing my skill.” 

Since then, he has grown in his craft and gone on to scoop the award for Best Actor at the Royalty Soapie Awards. 

Looking back on his television journey, the actor and presenter cites the opportunity to meet some of the country’s most talented individuals as something significant and memorable. 

“My highlight when it comes to my TV presenting career was just meeting celebrities on YoTV. 

As a young boy from Limpopo, I went from thinking I’d never meet any celebrity to being flooded with a flock of celebrities to interview.”

He also added that he views being part of the Skeem Saam cast as a highlight in and of itself.

“I knew I’d make so many people proud by being on the show,” he expressed.

On days when he is not on set, Molokomme can be found either in church, taking a walk in the park or in a session with his therapist.  

“Taking a walk just does something for me. I also go to therapy a lot. It has helped me be the man that I am today.” 

Bakene – a skincare brand that ignites confidence 

Molokomme also spends much of his time working on his skincare brand, Ba Kene, which is something he has been wanting to do for a number of years. 

“My sister grew up with acne. She had a lot of skin battles in her teenage years. I could see how it impacted her confidence. When I was a pre-teen, she advised me on the types of products that I should use for my skin. She didn’t want me to go through what she went through. 

I took her advice and I was glowing everyday. Through starting my own skincare brand that works, I decided that I am going to be a big brother to others the same way she was a big sister to me,” he explained. 

Ba Kene is made for young people by a young person. For Molokomme, getting started was an important moment. 

“I started and I started well. I did something which most people fail to do; to just start. It will be a multi-million rand brand.”

When asked what advice he would give to his peers who seek to thrive in pursuing their passions, the young actor highlighted the importance of not being distracted by social media.

“Try as much as you can to be off social media. That is the biggest distraction that we have as young people. A lot of people are depressed today. And yes,  it is due to a lot of issues but social media adds to it. Stay off social media so you can channel your focus to things that you are passionate about.”