Thapelo Mokoena gets a new role

There’s a new ‘whale’ at Kings Casino on SABC3’s High Rollers – Jakes Xaba is charming, articulate and suave, not exactly a stretch for the man who will portray him: Thapelo Mokoena.

Jakes has a private school education, spent time at university overseas and is the ultimate cheeky charmer and chancer – but is he a little too slick for his own good?

Mokoena’s star turns on Generations, Isidingo, Khota Life Crisis and The Lab have made him a houshold name in South Africa – never mind stints as a host on Fear Factor, a show-stealing run on Strictly Come Dancing, a supporting role in Long Walk To Freedom and a host of top-shelf TV ads.

High Rollers Executive Producer Meren Reddy says Mokoena’s energy and charm make him perfect for the role of Jakes.

“We’re excited to be able to add Thapelo to an already-strong cast on the show. His character is one of those who viewers will follow religiously because you never know what he’s going to do next”.

Mokoena was born in Ladysmith in 1982. He completed his schooling in Ladysmith before moving to Johannesburg to pursue a degree in accounting, which he gave up in favour of studying filmmaking.

Upon finishing his course at film school he made an instant impact in acting when he landed the role of Gabriel, the bodyguard of Karabo Moraka (played by Connie Ferguson), on the SABC1 soapie Generations. In 2006 he was selected as the host for the

local version of Fear Factor before returning to drama in 2006 with Mthunzini.com.

He went on to present reality show Rise Mzansi and competed on the sixth season of SABC 3’s Strictly Come Dancing. Viewers will meet Jakes on High Rollers in August.

High Rollers is broadcast Monday to Wednesday at 19:30 on SABC 3.