Sello Maake KaNcube reflects on Archie Moroka legacy as he prepares for major honours

Actor Sello Maake KaNcube

Sello Maake KaNcube is looking back on the character that changed his life.

The legendary actor recently opened up about the lasting impact of Archie Moroka, the powerhouse role he played on the classic soapie Generations; a character many South Africans still call him by to this day.

In a conversation with The Citizen, Maake KaNcube shared that he didn’t realise how deeply Archie had resonated with viewers until long after he exited the show.

“I was shocked that people admired the character so much and even called me by the name,” he said.

His role as the sharp and influential Moroka family heir played out alongside Connie Ferguson’s Karabo Moroka, cementing the pair as one of the most iconic duos in local TV history.

Archie’s character was inspired by advertising pioneer Peter Vundla, and Maake KaNcube believes the storyline broke new ground by portraying young black professionals thriving in corporate spaces.

“It is where people saw black people in the corporate space for the first time; it was ground-breaking. Archie became a very inspirational character in people’s lives,” he reflected.

His walk down memory lane comes ahead of his appearance at the upcoming iPendoring Awards, where he is expected to tap into the beloved character once more.

From 2 to 4 December, the event will host its Indigenous Language Imbizo, marking 30 years of celebrating creativity and championing South Africa’s indigenous languages.

Maake KaNcube’s achievements continue to be recognised beyond the screen.

On 22 November, he was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the National Film & Television Awards, a moment he described as deeply emotional.

Reflecting on his journey, he wrote, “Standing on that stage, I found myself thinking back to 1975. A young boy at Mofolo Community Hall, watching a play for the very first time… it lit a fire that has burned for fifty years.”