Jerry Phele occupies an exalted place in the firmament of stardom in South African Television, it’s all thanks to the of ‘Mofokeng’ that he played in the iconic multi language comedy, Emzini Wezinsizwa.
The 63 years old South African actor is best known for his role on Emzini Wezinsizwa, where he played the character of ‘Mofokeng’.
He played the character of an unemployed, seSotho speaking man, who was a gambler, he loved playing fafi and dices, and he was a ladies man.
He and Tshawe (Vusi Thanda) are the only surviving leads of this once in a generation production that continues to be referenced in local pop culture and lexicon.
To this day, after numerous starring roles, Jerry Phele has forsaken his identity to Mofokeng.
“I’ve tried to correct people, I’ve given up. It has become my name. Even when I meet the real Bafokeng, they call me ‘Phoka’ [ clan name] and ask me where in Qwa Qwa I am from.