ACTOR, Kope Makgae (29) has made a name for himself in the South African entertainment industry.
Born and bred in Lebowakgomo, Tswyza as he is known, is a familiar face on the OLX television adverts. He is also a voice-over artist.
“After completing my degree in media studies from the University of Limpopo, I moved to Johannesburg to look for a job in the media industry. I was fortunate to land roles on various local soapies, and today I am recognised as one of the promising actors in the country,” says Kope.
He says it was clear from the onset that he belonged in the entertainment industry as he used to organise events at university.
“I was a radio presenter on the community radio station, Turf FM, where I hosted a hip hop show. Through my rich personality and entrepreneurial efforts, opportunities started coming my way, and years later, I became the deputy president of the National African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nafcoc) Youth Chamber in the Capricorn district,” he says.
At Nafcoc, he worked as a resource mobiliser for the Nafcoc Women’s Chamber, which focuses on sourcing business opportunities, marketing and branding for the entity.
“I went as far as to chairing child abuse workshops for the National Council of African Women (NCAW), which led to forming part of the Makelepeng Youth Development Programme, with the aim to preserve and educate on cultural and political heritage.”
Kope recently partnered up with the provincial department of education to establish the Limpopo Youth Career Ambassadors (LYCA), an initiative to inspire students and provide career advice.
“In my personal capacity, I am coordinating HIV/aids charities to encourage and support those who are affected and infected with the disease. My main business aspect is youth development and education, and I would like to urge young people in the province to believe in themselves and know that hard work pays.”
