We’ve come to know actor Thabo Mkhabela as Leshole, on educational telenovela, Skeem Saam, a guy with a troubled history, who is always down on his luck in life.

Skeem Saam fans are so attached to the character of Leshole that it has gotten to the point where they overrun social media to warn the show’s writers to treat him well or they will dump the show.Thabo Mkhabela admitted that the attention he gets from Leshole’s many fans can be overwhelming at times, saying

“I have noticed that people of different ages love Leshole, hence the struggle to understand that the character and I are two different people.They expect me to be overly friendly, which is understandable, but demanding at times”Although Leshole was first introduced as a student on Skeem Saam, in real life Thabo Mkhabela is actually a lecturer.The actor is an Arts lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, yes you heard that right!It’s clear that Thabo Mkhabela takes his schooling seriously, as he attended the University of Limpopo, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree. He also holds a masters degree.The actor once revealed in an interview that he actually wanted to study law at university, but it was unfortunate because the law schools were full.

“I wanted to be a lawyer, but was sent to the faculty of humanities because there was no space in the law faculty at that time – and eventually I got an acceptance letter for a BA in performing arts”

Thabo Mkhabela also revealed that he doesn’t see himself being an actor for a long time, but he wants to be working behind the scenes as a director.Thabo Mkhabela revealed that he has been elevated to casting director on Skeem Saam, and given his acting range as Leshole on Skeem Saam, we’re sure he’ll bring the best from actors behind the camera.