ACTORS always make sure that they keep their audiences entertained.
When they’re on set, they ensure that people are attracted by their acting and storyline. However, this can come with challenges for themselves.
In recent years, some celebrities have opened up about depression and mental health. While some were able to get help, others couldn’t, and it has resulted in them taking their own lives.
As October has been declared the Mental Health Awareness Month, Skeem Saam actress Lethabo Mekoa talks about mental health.The 20-year-old plays the role of Ntswaki on the SABC1’s most loved drama series.
Her character is an unruly teenage girl whose storyline has captured the hearts of many people in Mzansi.
Lethabo told Daily Sun that actors need support.
“Support for mental health within the industry is needed, as it can be a very demanding environment,” she said.She said that she wishes there was more focus on nurturing young talent.
“I wish young talented people would be provided mentorship opportunities and ensuring fair and equal representation of different stories in the South African entertainment,” she said.
Lethabo won The Royalty Soapie Award a few months ago and said that it was a surreal and humbling experience.
“It’s a moment that reaffirmed all the hard work I’ve put into my craft. More than anything, it motivated me to keep pushing boundaries and growing as an actress,” she said.
She said the award has given her more confidence in her abilities. “It’s a reminder that hard work and passion are recognised, and it has opened more doors for me in the industry. It also pushes me to take on more challenging roles and continuously improve myself,” she said.
Lethabo said that she never anticipated how far she’d go.
“I always believed in my talent. Being recognised now feels like a dream come true. I’m incredibly grateful for the appreciation I’ve received. It drives me to keep delivering my best performances,” she said.