Shoki Mmola (born August 10, 1977) is a South African actress and traditional healer best known for playing Celia Kunutu on Skeem Saam and, more recently, Prudence on Scandal.
While most believe Shoki is just an actress, the truth is that she is so much more. She’s also a mother of two and a traditional healer.
So, in this article, we will look at her professional and personal life in 8 facts and how she managed to escape an abusive marriage. Read till the end for full details.
Profile summary of Shoki Mmola
Full name: Reshoketswe Shoki Mmola
Date of birth: August 10, 1977 (46 years old)
Place of birth: Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa
Education: Prudens Secondary School
Alma mater: Tampere University of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology
Height: 1.68m
Occupation: Actress, Translator, Traditional healer, casting director and dubbing producer
Known for: Celia Kunutu from Skeem Saam; Prudence from etv’s Scandal
Net worth: Unknown
Nationality: South Africa
1. How old is Shoki Mmola now?
Shoki Mmola was born in Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa, on August 10, 1977. So, as of 2023, she is 46 years old and will be turning 47 years old in 2024.
2. Where did Shoki Mmola get her education?
Shoki Mmola finished her secondary education at Prudens Secondary School. However, the year she finished her high school education is unknown.
Moreover, after completing high school, she studied at the Tampere University of Technology in Finland for a degree in fashion design in 1994.
So, aside from acting, she’s also a fashion designer. However, she later studied drama at the Tshwane University of Technology.
3. She is also a Sangoma
In 2019, Shoki Mmola came out as a traditional healer and said she was now authorized to offer sick notes. The mother of two is much more enthusiastic and traditional, offering to even work at night. However, she has stressed that there is a balance between her being a mother and her Sangoma work.
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4. She survived Domestic Abuse from her husband
Reshoketswe Mmola was married to Sello Sebotsane, and the two had two children. Both daughters and their marriage lasted for nearly 10 years. However, things were not going as people thought they were, as she later revealed that Sello was abusive to her.
According to Mmola, Sebotsane would beat her and punch her, even in the face. However, she didn’t believe her case would make it to court. This was because the case was going back and forth.
So, a year after she reported the matter, she was shocked that it had even been admitted to court. However, it’s to our knowledge that no conviction was secured for her.
5. In 2023, she acted on the same soap opera with her alleged abuser
While Mmola hoped that her dark days were behind her, in 2023, she was cast alongside her alleged abuser. Sello Sebotsane was cast as Advocate Serwalo on the soap, while Mmola played Prudens.
Fans were not pleased with the decision and threatened to boycott Scandal. However, Scandal commented on the matter, saying that the two would be acting separately and on separate dates. And Mmola was informed ahead of time.
Which brought a lot of comfort to concerned fans. However, some fans still think it was a bad call to even cast him in the first place. Regardless of the measures that were set in place to ensure the two didn’t interact, some people still felt it was uncalled for.
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6. She wants to be symbol of strength
When referred to as a single mother, the actress refused the label, saying she was more than that.
Mmola said that she was a pillar of strength towards her daughters, and her decision to leave an abusive relationship was her standing up for other women.
Moreover, she has stressed that she wanted to be seen as an example of strength and hoped her life would encourage women to not protect their abusers.
7. She was discovered by Lilian Dube
While most are stunned by her acting skills, she actually didn’t want to be an actress. In fact, she wanted to be a fashion designer. She was discovered by Lilian Dube while she was still studying at the Carlton Campus.
Initially, she thought she couldn’t do it because she was shy and not very extroverted. However, the moment she reached the set, a new side of her was born. And she has never looked back for nearly 30 years.
8. She owns a clothing line
Aside from acting and being a Sangoma, she is also a businesswoman. She owns a clothing brand called Vintage Shock, in which she designs vintage clothes. However, the line seems to be rather new on the scene, with only 770 followers. But we do hope her following grows.
