Mothusi Magano stands as a prominent South African actor celebrated for his powerful performances across film, television, and theatre. He gained widespread acclaim through starring roles in the drama series The Lab, the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, and the popular soapie Scandal!. With nearly two decades in the industry, his versatile portrayals have earned him multiple South African Film and Television Awards and international praise.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Mothusi Magano |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1979 |
| Place of Birth | Phokeng, Rustenburg, North West Province |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | North West Province |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Actor, Voice-over Artist, Theatre Performer |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 Million USD |
Early Life and Education
Mothusi Magano entered the world on March 26, 1979, in Phokeng near Rustenburg in South Africa’s North West Province. His family moved to Mafikeng when he was five, where he discovered acting through a pantomime called A Dragon For Dinner at the Mmabana Cultural Centre.
In 1998, he joined the Wits School of Dramatic Art, landing roles in Death and the Maiden and Little Shop of Horrors during his first year.
Career
Magano built his foundation in theatre with productions like The Third Man, Stones in His Pockets, Venus, and Hamlet. His film debut came in 2003 with Gums and Noses, followed by roles in Hotel Rwanda as Benedict and Tsotsi as Boston, the latter boosting his global profile after its Oscar win.
Television breakthroughs included Charles “Mingus” Khathi in The Lab from 2006 to 2009, guest spots in Wild at Heart and Intersexions, and the assassin “The Dustbin Man” in Scandal!. Recent credits feature Hustle, Keeping Score, Blood Psalms as King Letsha, and Unseen as Lufuno.
Personal Life
Magano keeps family details private, focusing public attention on his career achievements. Fluent in English and Tswana, he measures 1.76 meters tall with black hair and brown eyes.
Mothusi Magano Net Worth
Estimates place his net worth around $1 million USD, derived from acting in films, TV, theatre, and endorsements.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Hotel Rwanda | Benedict |
| 2005 | Tsotsi | Boston |
| 2007 | Home Affairs | Support Role |
| 2012 | 90 Plein Street | Tshepo Sadiki (TV) |
| 2013 | Of Good Report | Parker Sithole |
| 2013 | Tempy Pushas | Guest Role (TV) |
| 2013-2014 | Scandal! | The Dustbin Man (TV) |
| 2016 | Madiba Series | Cyril Ramaphosa (TV) |
| 2016 | Hustle | Maxwell/Phellelo (TV) |
| 2017 | Keeping Score | Sports Drama (TV) |
| 2017 | The Number | Magadien Wentzel |
| 2018 | Emoyeni: Nsanguluko | Phakamile ‘Phaks’ |
| 2019 | Griekwastad | Felix Dlangamandla |
| 2021 | I Am All Girls | Captain George Mululeki |
| 2022 | Blood Psalms | King Letsha (TV) |
| 2022 | Wild Is the Wind | Vusi Matsoso |
| 2023-2025 | Unseen | Lufuno (TV) |
| 2024 | The Shakedown | Hylton (TV) |
Awards and Nominations
Magano secured the 2014 SAFTA Golden Horn for Best Actor in a Feature Film for Of Good Report, alongside an African Movie Academy Award for the same role. He also won a 2019 SAFTA for Best Actor in a TV Drama in Emoyeni: Nsanguluko and a 2013 SAFTA for 90 Plein Street. Additional honors include a Monte-Carlo TV Festival nomination for The Lab.
