Why did you want to be a part of Loving Thokoza?
It was a compelling storyline, and I believe that it was an important role to portray in this day and age, to really remind citizens of the incredible sacrifices made by ordinary men and women in our communities. It’s also a reminder to prioritise education and protect our democracy.
We shot the film in nine days, so preparation was an ongoing thing. I did, however, rewatch Sarafina! and took inspiration from Mary Masombuka, played by Whoopi Goldberg. The works of prolific women such as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Albertina Sisulu and Charlotte Maxeke, who the character is based on, really helped me contextualise the character. It was eye-opening, and allowed me to revisit the experiences of the women in my life who lived through that period.
