“Characters are never just characters”: Rorisang reflects on Bahumi role on Kwa Baba

Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

South African television actress Rorisang Mohapi-Grootboom has penned an emotional letter to her on-screen character, Bahumi Motaung, as she reflects on the journey of bringing the beloved character to life on Mzansi Magic’s telenovela Kwa Baba.

Mohapi-Grootboom, who is known for her roles in Gqeberha: The Empire and Kwa-Tsholo, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to step into Bahumi’s world and portray the character’s strength, vulnerability and complexities.

“To Bahumi, with love. Thank you, Bahumi, for allowing me to step into your world and tell your story. For trusting me with your heart, your strength, your flaws, your vulnerability and every beautiful layer in between,” she wrote.

The actress said portraying Bahumi had reminded her that fictional characters can leave a lasting impact on the actors who bring them to life.

“Portraying you has reminded me that characters are never just characters. Sometimes, they teach us something about ourselves. Sometimes, they challenge us. Sometimes, they stay with us long after the cameras stop rolling,” she said.

Mohapi-Grootboom also thanked the character for the emotional and personal lessons that came with the role, describing the experience of giving Bahumi a voice as a privilege.

“Thank you for every emotion, every lesson, every difficult moment and every little piece of you that I’ve had the privilege of bringing to life.

“I’m so grateful that I get to be your voice, to carry your story and to introduce a little bit of you to the world.”

Her heartfelt tribute comes as Kwa Baba continues to explore the complicated intersection of love, family, tradition and the burdens of the past.

The telenovela follows Zwelakhe Mkhize, played by Vuyo Biyela, a young and ambitious businessman who appears to be on the verge of achieving success and is ready to settle down with the woman he has chosen, Bahumi Motaung.

However, his pursuit of love is tested by family expectations, tradition and unresolved issues from the past, forcing him to confront just how far he is willing to go when love comes under pressure.

At the centre of the story, Bahumi is portrayed as confident, self-assured, kind and compassionate. As the first-born daughter of Solomon and Dikeledi Motaung, she longs for a man who will genuinely love her and see her for who she is.

Mohapi-Grootboom’s portrayal has allowed audiences to experience Bahumi’s emotional journey while showcasing the actress’s ability to bring depth and vulnerability to the character.

Concluding her letter, the actress celebrated the many layers that make Bahumi human.

“Here’s to Bahumi — complicated, beautiful, strong, vulnerable and unapologetically herself. Thank you for choosing me. I’ll always be grateful that I got to be you.”

Kwa Baba is produced by Singa Vision Productions, the production company that also co-produced Genesis.

The telenovela forms part of Mzansi Magic’s continued investment in local storytelling and emerging production talent, bringing authentic South African narratives and complex characters to television audiences.

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