Limpopo – Once a familiar face gracing the television screens of thousands of South Africans, former Skeem Saam actor Thabo Masoga is now working as a security guard at a bank in Limpopo, a stark contrast to his previous life in the limelight.
The thespian, known for his portrayal of the ruthless landlord Ananius on the popular soap opera, has experienced a dramatic reversal of fortune, a fall from grace that has left him humbled and determined to rebuild his life.
Masoga, now 53 years old, has admitted to hitting the proverbial rock bottom, revealing that he has lost his homes, cars, family, and friends in the process. In a heart-rending exclusive interview with Sunday World, Masoga opened up about the challenges he has faced, painting a picture of a man who has weathered significant storms and is now striving to regain his footing.
The actor, who once commanded attention as the formidable Ananius, is now a tenant himself, renting a single room that serves as his bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen. This significant downsize is a testament to the extent of his financial struggles and the sacrifices he has had to make to survive.
Masoga, who was born in Zebediela, outside Lebowakgomo in Limpopo, said his problems started in 2023. He was asked by a Skeem Saam producer to write a script. He wondered why, because he was not their writer. To him, it looked like they wanted to use my talent as a writer to uplift their soapie. From that moment, his character was phased out until there were no calls.
The twice-divorced Masoga said he then lost his house in Hammanskraal. He also lost a bachelor flat in Booysens, south of Johannesburg, and six cars. The cars included a Mercedes-Benz C180, a double-cab bakkie Colt V6, a BMW X1, a Renault Megane, an Opel Corsa bakkie, and a VW Velocity 1.4I. The loss of his house and entire fleet of cars marked a turning point in Masoga's life, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of financial instability.
Masoga was also once a scriptwriter, film director, and gospel artist. Apart from Skeem Saam, Masoga has graced our small screens on various projects. He appeared in a number of movies. These include the drama series Gold Diggers on e.tv in 2010, where he played the role of Sgora. He was a police detective on The River in 2012, also a police officer on Muvhango in 2013. Masoga broke into the big league with a role on Skeem Saam, where he remained for 10 years. That was until his painful exit two years ago.
He has writing credits on a number of series, including Bohwa Baka on Mzansi Magic and Tefeletso, The Vengeance on Limpopo TV, before the station was taken off air. Masoga said that Limpopo TV is playing two of my drama series and I have never been paid for that.
Despite the hardships he has faced, Masoga remains resilient and determined to overcome his challenges. As much as I was so heartbroken when I lost all these assets, I remained positive about life. And that is because I have seen great people fall and rise. I believe that one day I will find a way out of my situation and back on my feet, said Masoga.
He says not so long ago, he roamed the streets of Alexandra at night collecting cans to give to nyaope boys to sell on his behalf. Masoga said that he was ashamed and that he didn’t want people to see him like that.
A father of eight children, Masoga is now married to Maishela Rasakanya, with whom he shares a one-year-old daughter. He said he has no shame about his new job as he provides for himself and his family.
Masoga said that he loves his job, more so because I am working in my home village in front of my fans. They used to celebrate me as their role model.
Follow Us on Twitter
