- Netflix star and entrepreneur Thapelo Mokoena is set to visit Uganda in February 2026 as part of the iKon Film and Television Awards roadmap.
- Celebrated South African actor Thapelo Mokoena will be in Uganda from 12th to 16th February 2026 for film masterclasses and creative engagements.
- Kings of Jo’burg actor Thapelo Mokoena is heading to Uganda to support cross-border collaboration in Africa’s creative industry.
Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU), in partnership with the iKon Film and Television Awards, has announced that celebrated South African actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur Thapelo Mokoena will visit Uganda from 12th to 16th February 2026.
The five-day visit forms part of the Ikon Film and Television Awards 2026 roadmap and is aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Southern and East African creative industries. During his stay, Mokoena will participate in high-level media engagements, conduct specialised masterclasses on film and creative entrepreneurship, and hold exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with fans and industry stakeholders.
With a career spanning over two decades, Thapelo Mokoena has built a powerful personal brand that bridges film, entrepreneurship, and social impact. He began his acting career in 2000 on the iconic South African soap opera Generations (1994–2014). Since then, he has featured in several acclaimed films and drama series, including the UK series Bulletproof (2018–2021), M-Net’s Trackers (2019), and Wild at Heart (2006–2012).
Mokoena portrayed freedom fighter Elias Motsoaledi, who spent 26 years on Robben Island, in the 2013 Hollywood biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, starring alongside Idris Elba. He has also appeared in multiple Netflix productions, including Kings of Jo’burg (2020–to date), Angelina (2021), and more recently Bad Influencer and Fatal Seduction.
RELATED ARTICLES
Beyond acting, Mokoena is an accomplished television presenter, having hosted Fear Factor South Africa and e.tv’s reality makeover series Sinawe72. He has also featured in commercials for numerous South African and international brands.
Speaking about the visit, Humphrey Nabimanya, Founder and CEO of Reach A Hand Uganda and the Ikon Awards, said:
“Thapelo’s vast experience as an actor, filmmaker, and creative entrepreneur gives him an unmatched perspective on building a global brand by intentionally harnessing one’s passion for the arts. We are excited to tap into his wealth of knowledge to inspire Uganda’s creative young people to leverage authentic storytelling and local innovation to scale their impact beyond a single field—be it film, content creation, or others.”
As part of the 2026 roadmap, the Ikon Film and Television Awards has already held activations in Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda, connecting filmmakers across borders under the theme “Beyond Borders”. The initiative seeks to celebrate, recognise, and honour exceptional filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from beyond Uganda.
Beyond the screen, the 2023 GQ South Africa Man of the Year is also a dedicated entrepreneur. Since founding Bakoena Brands in 2017, Mokoena has established the Bosman Bakoena Brands partnership, the force behind the award-winning Nero wine label and a range of premium African lifestyle brands in grooming and wellness.
Commenting on his upcoming visit, Mokoena said:
“Uganda’s creative industry is on the rise, and with a population largely made up of young people under 30, the creative sector offers numerous opportunities to build sustainable sources of income.”
He added:
“I’m excited to share my experience to help this demographic reach their full potential and further amplify our authentic African culture and stories.”
