Sophie Lichaba on how lockdown has affected her restaurant and shisanyama businesses

Although the South African economy is slowly re-opening following the recent total shutdown, it will still be a while before all businesses are allowed to operate. These include, among others, movie theatres, concert venues and shisanyama spots.

During her recent interview with Afternoon Express, renowned actress and businesswoman Sophie Lichaba spoke to Palesa Tembe about how her businesses have been affected by the lockdown.

“As a businessperson, whether you like it or not, events have come to a halt. My husband and I, as you know, own restaurants and shisanyama's. That had to be cut to a total standstill.”

Sophie added that those who get to work from home are blessed. “For those who are able to film, it’s a blessing, a great blessing,” she said.

Sophie, who graced the cover of DRUM in April, also revealed she has a cooking show coming soon.

Although she recently admitted she misses leaving the house, Sophie said she has so far enjoyed staying at home, spending time with herself. She’s been using the time for introspection.

“Staying home for me has been amazing. I have connected with myself. I get to introspect, plan, strategise and fix what was wrong. I love it,” she said.

Sophie recently told DRUM she’s in a better space after all the cyberbullying she endured following her drastic weight loss – a result of living with diabetes.

She has joined season 5 of drama series Lockdown, in which she plays the character of Palesa – someone who she describes as broken. “A lot of South African women will identify with her,” Sophie said of her character.

“Although she’s the head nurse at Kgotsong Asylum, Palesa herself is definitely not okay. She’s caught up in a love triangle with her former husband and Deborah, the governor at Thabazimbi Women’s Correctional Facility where most of the Lockdown action takes place. And her man is bad news.”

The 47-year-old told DRUM that although she had fears, she was not going to let the opportunity of playing Palesa pass her by. She said she took the Lockdown role after business slowed with her wedding-planning company, Sophla Events. “That’s how business works. I just needed a change and I definitely feel restored. I feel like I’ve gained my respect,” she said.