Vella Nyoni
LIMPOPO – MANY would recognise her as Charity Ramabu on the Pedi drama ‘Skeem Saam’, but Makgofe Moagi says she has nothing in common with the character she portrays.
Makgofe (36), a mother of two boys, says the only similarity with her devious character on television is that she loves her children and will do anything to protect them.
Born and raised in Limpopo, Makgofe is not new to the television screen. She has many titles under her belt, a television presenter, businesswoman, model, actress and master of ceremonies. She is best known for being the winner of the Ponds National Competition to host the SABC2 talk show Motswako in 2005 and her role as Palesa in Muvhango.
She discovered her love for storytelling at an early age and since she was always surrounded by entertainers, she was inspired to enter the entertainment industry.
“During school holidays we would entertain the people in my neighbourhood in Phalaborwa with dancing, acting and singing. This really endorsed my love for storytelling and since primary school I have never looked back,” she says.
She travels a lot between Phalaborwa and Johannesburg due to the curio shop she has there. She’s currently the CEO of Panopadi Creations, a holistic turnkey event management company based in Polokwane and Johannesburg.
She appeared in a popular men’s magazine for her role in the South African version of the UK’s ‘Deal Or No Deal’ – ‘Deal Or No Deal SA’ and ‘Deal Or No Deal Africa’.
She was also a chemistry teacher for the Ethiopian department Of education. As a master of ceremonies and a pro-youth supporter, she worked alongside the Wits Business School Students’ Association.
“I believe in giving back to the community and this has prompted me to establish a television production company because of my belief in empowering and informing the nation by telling visual stories. I am passionate and vocal about children who suffer from learning disorders, chronic illnesses and disabilities,” she says.
Makgofe sits on the board of the National Delphic Council of South Africa and is a representative of the Institute of African Royals.
“Currently I am in the process of finalising the registration of a family foundation, The Makgofe Dan Moagi Foundation, jointly named to represent the generous nature of the man who showed me that charity does indeed begin at home, my father.”
Emotionally sound, smart, balanced, assertive and intelligent children and youths is what the foundation aims to enhance by adding value, encouraging and helping them embrace life with enthusiasm towards building successful lives for themselves.
Asked if she will allow her children to follow in her footsteps, Makgofe is quick to say they need to get an education first.