Lunathi Mampofu sold her properties to survive
Actress Lunathi Mampofu may have had South Africans cheering when she walked away with two Royalty Soapie Awards, but behind the scenes, her life was far from glamorous.
In a recent episode of Sunday World Engage, the Inimba star opened up about the harsh realities she was facing during what many assumed was a high point in her career.
Mampofu shared that while her name was trending for her outstanding performances, she was quietly dealing with financial ruin.
“I haven’t given myself time to celebrate because I’m always looking for more, not necessarily accolades, but you are working to earn money at the time,” she said.
“I remember when I won those awards; I was out of work for months, and I was broke.”
The actress, who has also worked as a casting director in both Cape Town and Los Angeles, said she had recently sold her car and lost her house and apartment in an effort to return to Cape Town with her daughter.
“I put my belongings in storage just so I could go back home,” she explained.
The financial strain took an emotional toll, but Mampofu believes it was a pivotal moment that revealed a deeper truth.
“God shows up when you least expect it,” she reflected.
“If you as an actress have not gone through losing it all, then you are lucky. Some of us have gone through it more than once, and it is okay. You need to experience the ups and downs in life. Now I know that as an actor I need to save and also be business-minded.”
Now 38, Mampofu is also a singer and an aspiring fashion designer. She credits her faith for helping her through the challenges of single motherhood, particularly when it comes to raising her daughter.
“God has helped me raise her. I feel like I am reliving my life in my character Zoleka,” she said.
Despite the hardships, Mampofu remains determined to shape a better future, both on and off screen.
“I have brought up my daughter to be independent, and sometimes it is a selfish decision to take. However, it is important for her to learn to be more understanding of having the life that we have.”
