Shoki Mokgapa (17 August 1984 – 26 September 2018) was a South African actress known for her role as Rachel in the film Sink.
Shoki Mokgapa
| Born | 17 August 1984
Johannesburg, South Africa
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|---|---|
| Died | 26 September 2018 (aged 34)
Johannesburg, South Africa
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| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2008–2018 |
Early Life
Mokgapa was born in Johannesburg and grew up with a brother and a stepsister. She attended Michael Mount Waldorf School, studied at the British International College, and later pursued a Bachelor of Communications. She then trained at AFDA in Johannesburg, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts.
Career
Mokgapa debuted on television in 2008 in The Lab and was part of the founding team of POPArt Theatre. Her career included roles in Wild at Heart, Silent Witness, and Hollywood films like Retribution and Dredd. Notable local projects include Intersexions, Ashes to Ashes, and Sink, for which she won Best Actress awards.
Death
Mokgapa, who struggled with clinical depression and anxiety, died by suicide in 2018 at age 34.
Filmography:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Perana | – | Short film |
| 2007 | Brothers in Arms: 1978 | Angolan Woman | – |
| 2010 | The First Grader | Teacher Elizabeth | – |
| 2011 | Retribution | Thembi Maphosa | – |
| 2012 | Dredd | Woman with Child | – |
| 2013 | Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom | Lady in Nightclub | – |
| 2015 | Sink | Rachel Nyaga | – |
| 2016 | The Chemo Club | Ruby | – |
| 2016 | A Love Like This | – | – |
| 2017 | Bypass | Sister Mmaya | – |
| 2017 | Reality | Mage | Short film |
| 2018 | Sew the Winter to My Skin | – | – |
Television:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Life Is Wild | Shoki | – |
| 2008 | Wild at Heart | Susie | – |
| 2008 | The Lab | Tumi | – |
| 2010 | Silent Witness | Kudzai Marechera | – |
| 2011 | Sokhulu & Partners | Reporter | – |
| 2013 | Intersexions | Gadima | – |
| 2015 | Those Who Can’t | Lindiwe | – |
| 2015 | Ashes to Ashes | Disebo | – |
| 2017 | Swartwater | Boitumelo | – |
| 2018 | The Docket | – | Guest role |
| 2018 | The Looming Tower | Secretary | Miniseries |
Awards and Nominations:
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | South African Film and Television Awards | Best Actress in a Film | Sink | Won |
| Silwerskerm Film Festival | Best Actress | – | Won |
Mokgapa’s passing left a void in the entertainment industry, but her impactful performances and contributions continue to be remembered and celebrated
Conclusion
Shoki Mokgapa’s life and career were marked by talent, dedication, and significant contributions to South African cinema and television. Her versatility as an actress was evident in her diverse roles, from local productions like “The Lab” and “Ashes to Ashes” to international projects such as “Dredd” and “Silent Witness.”
Her portrayal of Rachel Nyaga in “Sink” particularly stood out, earning her critical acclaim and prestigious awards. Despite her success, Mokgapa battled with mental health challenges, highlighting the importance of mental wellness in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Her untimely passing in 2018 was a loss felt deeply by the acting community and fans alike. However, her legacy endures through her memorable performances and the impact she made during her time in the spotlight. Shoki Mokgapa’s talent and contributions will continue to be cherished and remembered in the realm of South African film and television.
