Premier Phophi Ramathuba with actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi ahead of her 85th birthday. Picture: Facebook / Office of the Limpopo Premier
Legendary actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi is being celebrated by the Limpopo province and Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba as she has reached an impressive milestone of 85 years.
Mokgokoloshi is well known for portraying stern and wise Koko Mantsha on SABC 1’s popular TV soapie, “Skeem Saam”.
Mokgokoloshi said that in the past she was a teacher for 30 years before she ventured into her acting career. Her acting career sky-rocketed back in the 1980s on the popular Pedi TV drama, “Bophelo ke Semphekgo”.
On Tuesday, September 24, Mokgokoloshi got a visit from Premier Ramathuba who was joined by Chief Whip, Emmanuel Rathata to celebrate Mokgoloshi’s birthday, Heritage Day and World Elderly Day.
Bearing gifts for the veteran and legendary actress, Ramathuba said: “As the government of Limpopo, we are proud of you. For you to reach this age, it makes us feel lucky and we are learning something from you that for a person to live these many years and pass the age of 70, it is difficult these days.
“We also want to to show the youth that it is important to support, love and respect our elderly people while they are still alive.”
Councillor Rathata from Molemole Municipality said: “We came here to celebrate our legend, Bomma Lydia Mokgokoloshi. We came here in the flesh to wish her a happy birthday because she has reached her 85th birthday. We are also excited to be a part of this birthday celebration.”
The birthday celebrations did not stop on Tuesday, since Mokgokoloshi’s birthday is on September 27, with Ramathuba making a second visit on the big day.
Mokgokoloshi also received a Lifetime Achievement award at the SAFTAS in 2017 for her remarkable work in the acting industry.
IOL