Charity and Katlego Mokgokoloshi’s mother and grandmother is 83-year-old actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi, aka Koko Mantsha on Skeem Saam. She was one of five siblings while growing up. Her mother was the primary breadwinner of the family because her father was blind.

Lydia and her late husband had one son, whom she characterizes as calm in that he wouldn’t hurt a fly. The son also passed away in 2003.

Her family was decimated when both her husband and son passed away. Lydia’s son died prematurely, shattering the hope of every parent that their offspring will someday grow old enough to care for them until their own passing.

They are currently living in Soweto with Lydia, who is raising her only son’s two children. Koko Mantsha is a seasoned pro who should be treated with respect. She spent nearly two decades in the classroom before making the transition to the stage. She has appeared on television before, in the role of an evil mother-in-law in “Bophelo ke semphekgo,” so this is not her first time on Skeem Saam.