Tokelo Khausela
SOUTH African veteran actor and Sesotho playwriter, Khotso Nkhatho, has urged Basotho in the film industry to be proud of their mother tongue, saying it reflected “one’s authentic identity”.
Mr Nkhatho said this during the second edition of the annual Tycoon Series Film Academy Awards held at Lehakoe Club, Maseru, on Saturday.
The renowned actor became popular amongst Basotho in 1989 when he played Mopheme/Tṧitso in the Sesotho telenovela, Mopheme, which used to air on TV 3 which was later renamed SABC.
He cemented himself as a fine Sesotho-speaking actor through television plays such as ‘Malonya, Pholoso, Mafahla and Thabure among others.
He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Central University of Technology in the Free State in 2022.
And now the Tycoon Series Film Academy has now honoured the legend for inspiring the Sesotho plays. Mr Nkhatho received a lifetime achievement award at the glittering event.
“Acting should be from the heart and one must take time to perfect the craft. Unfortunately, nowadays people are more concerned about being celebrities without the love of this industry….,” Mr Nkhato said.
“Sesotho is a very beautiful language and you must be proud of it. It is unique and distinctive. This is a very challenging industry, so I urge you to work hard in perfecting your craft.”
The awards were meant to encourage and appreciate actors in the film sector. The event was also graced by South African actor, Putla Sehlapelo, who pays Principal Alfred Magongwa in popular SABC drama series, Skeem Saam.
The Minister of Public Service, Stephen Mputi, who is also the Maputsoe constituency legislator, supported the event.
The founder of the Tycoon Series Film Academy, Makalo Carlos Khutlisi, said Lesotho had vast talent and potential in film creation and adaptation.
“The goal is to host and give awards annually as there are a lot of people with great ideas in the sector,” Mr Khutlisi said.
“I draw my inspiration to write films from the rich Sesotho language, hence I felt the need to have Ntate Nkhatho in our midst. It is quite an honour to be around him and learn from him.”
Mr Khutlisi breakthrough was in 2016 when he released the film, Tycoon Series, portraying the life of crime in his hometown of Maputsoe where robbers are popularly known as Tycoons.
Thato Tṧiu, who won the Best Actress award, said the recognition was a motivation to excel more in the film industry.
“I am exhilarated and speechless at the same time and I highly appreciate the Tycoon Series Film Academy for this gesture,” Ms Tṧiu said.
The other winners included Mosola Comedy for Best Short Film, the Jury Award for Atang Ke Oaka while Letele Kolobe became the Best Actor.
