A Matter Of Inspiration

DRUM chats to veteran performers and rising stars about what they’ve learnt from one another.

- Khosi Biyela

The work of acting legends Joyce Skefu , Connie Ferguson and Baby Cele has inspired many young actors, including Dineo Moeketsi from The Queen, Junior Singo from Generations: The Legacy and Mapaseka Koetle from Scandal! But the admiration for the hard work and success flows in both directions.

DINEO MOEKETSI & CONNIE FERGUSON

They play mother and daughter in one of South Africa’s most popular TV productions and Dineo has nothing but praise and admiration for Connie.

“Connie has gone from strength to strength and has delivered outstanding work on our screens for years,” says Dineo, who plays Kea in The Queen on Mzansi Magic.

It was Connie’s role as Mavis Mabaso on Rockville that “made us all sit up and take note. It was a monumental shift [and a demonstration of] her versatility”.

Dineo says she’s inspired every day by Connie. “I watch and learn [ from her] all the time,” she says.

Connie, meanwhile, is impressed with Dineo’s drive to deliver her best. “She can be very hard on herself at times but I believe she has slowly learnt to trust herself in the process and just be,” the veteran actress says.

“A lot of the time acting is about instinct and I believe she is at a point where she has learnt to trust hers. She is a phenomenal young actress and I am proud and honoured to be her TV mom.”

Connie is one of the most renowned film industry talents in Mzansi and it’s all thanks to the fact she takes her work seriously, she says.

“It’s not a hobby or way to become famous! Fame is just a side effect of what I do. I love telling stories and living vicariously through the characters I play. Some are inspiring, others not so much.