I want to shine a spotlight on a remarkable actress who has courageously tackled a significant challenge in her life—Dieketseng Mnisi. You might know her best as MaNtuli from the popular South African soap opera Skeem Saam, and believe it or not, she stepped into this iconic role without knowing a lick of Pedi!
That’s right! When Dieketseng was cast back in 2012, she found herself in a bit of a pickle. “I couldn’t speak a word of Pedi,” she recalls. But instead of shying away, Dieketseng took it on as a personal challenge. “I vowed to learn the language no matter what,” she said, making it clear that she wasn’t going to let a little language barrier hold her back.
Her determination led her to reach out to colleagues for help, especially Harriet Manamela, who plays the role of Meikie Maputla. “I remember calling her every night and asking her to translate Pedi words for me,” she laughs. I mean, talk about dedication! Thanks to her efforts, Dieketseng can now confidently converse in Pedi—she’s even managed to turn the tables and gossip-proof herself in the language!
Dieketseng’s journey is more than just about mastering a new language; it’s also about embracing her diverse identity. “I’m Tsonga by birth and not ashamed of my identity,” she proudly states, emphasizing the importance of learning one’s spouse’s language and passing it down to the next generation. As a married woman, she raised her kids to speak Zulu while seamlessly integrating her Tsonga roots. Talk about a multi-culti family!
But let’s not forget her roots in the acting world. Dieketseng has been captivating audiences with her talent since 1978! She earned her stripes in productions like Taximan and the Schoolgirl, Ziyabhenda, and Sarafina. Plus, she took her talent on the road, gracing international stages as part of Welcome Msomi’s Umabatha. It’s incredible how she’s transformed her passion into a career!
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the guidance of her mentor, the legendary playwright Gibson Kente. Dieketseng fondly recalls him shaping her acting style and instilling discipline. “I am who I am because of him,” she acknowledges, grateful for the skills he passed on to her.
In her portrayal of MaNtuli, Dieketseng delivers a character full of complexity—angry and jealous because her husband left her to care for their children alone. Yet, this fury serves as a mirror reflecting issues present in our society. It’s through characters like MaNtuli that viewers can learn and empathize with the myriad of human emotions and experiences.
Unlike the fiery MaNtuli, Dieketseng describes herself as accommodating and peace-loving. It’s clear that beneath the surface drama, she radiates warmth, bringing light to the stories she tells on screen.
So, hats off to Dieketseng Mnisi—a true testament to resilience, adaptation, and the beautiful interplay of languages and cultures. Here’s to more inspiring stories and characters that help us bridge divides and understand each other a little better. Keep shining, Dieketseng! We’re all rooting for you!