Dineo’s mother is unhappy about her new white boyfriend, David. Can Dineo and David overcome family pressure and make it work?
Mzansi Love: Colourblind tells the story of David (Clayton Boyd) and Dineo who, through their mutual love of books, strike up a relationship and start dating. But when Dineo’s mother meets David, she is not supportive of the intercultural relationship, believing David is culturally incompatible with her daughter.
We talk to Botswana-born 26-year- old actress Lerato Motshwarakgole who plays Dineo. Lerato completed a B.A in Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and appeared in a number of theatre productions including, Romeo and Juliet, Spring Awakening, and Hamlet and she recently had a small role on Generations.
Here Lerato talks about love, intercultural relationships and her challenges as a young actress.
How did you get into acting?
I grew up very shy and acting was therapeutic for me in that in allowed me to come out of my shell. I then pursued it further and auditioned at UCT Hiddingh School of Drama, and I got in. The rest is history.
What are some of the challenges that you face as a young actress?
Self-motivation, this is such an important quality in this stressful, unpredictable, cut-throat industry. Without it, the challenges seem bigger. With it one is almost unstoppable. So the biggest challenge is staying motivated and staying focused.
Tell us more about your character Dineo?
She's so much like me, a complete bookworm. Dineo is very focused on her studies and loves her mother. She lost her father at a very young age so it's been just her and her mother for the longest time. She loves challenges and stepping out of the norm. She is also clumsy and has no social skills. She's very loyal and the number one person in her life is her mother.
What are your views on intercultural relationships?
Dineo, just like me, is open to intercultural relationships. She belongs to a new breed of young South Africa who can see past someone’s skin colour and focus a lot more on their personality and intellect.
South Africa is still a young democracy and there are some conservative areas. People will stare, but one can't focus too much on such negativity and narrow-mindedness. Live your life and be happy!
Do you think parents should have a say in their children’s choice of partner?
Being the main influencers of their offspring’s life, yes, to some extent they should have a voice. But the happiness of their children should matter to them more than anything, regardless of what their choices are.
Catch the all new season of Mzansi Love: Kasi Styleevery Tuesday at 8.30PM
