Biography
Elizabeth Serunye (born March 12, 1971) is a South African actress and gospel singer. She has appeared in many drama series but is best known for playing Mapaseka Montsho in Moferefere Lenyalong.
Serunye played Zinzile in season two of the comedy series City Ses’la. She portrayed Rose in the E.tv soap opera Rhythm City. She has also appeared in films like Africa United (2010), Amandla (2022), and Skin (2008), among others.
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| Quick Facts | |
| Full Name: | Elizabeth Serunye |
| Born: | March 12, 1971 (age 52 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Limpopo, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | Acting training |
| Occupation: | Actress, former teacher |
| Popular role: | Principal Thobakgale |
Early Life
Elizabeth Serunye was born on March 12, 1971, in Limpopo, South Africa. She is from Alexandra, a township north of Johannesburg.
Education
Serunye started acting training in 1986 in her hometown. There was nothing to motivate her since there were almost no black people in the industry.
Career
Elizabeth had a turbulent period at the beginning of her career. The actress lost some gigs, which made her look for other sources of income. She got a job in retail.
At twenty-three, she began to show her face on the screen on Dinnete Tsa Bophelo. She landed acting gigs on Generations in 2001 and started a street vending business.
Serunye sold cakes for R5 in the morning at the corner of her street. Most of her customers were people who rushed to work, to school, or those looking for work in the morning.
The actress played Rose on the E.tv soap opera Rhythm City. In 2011, Skeem Saam landed the role of strict and focused principal, Jacobeth Thobakgale. She joined the production in season 2 and has appeared in season eleven, making her one of the longest-serving actors.
Serunye has also appeared in productions like The Coconuts, Mzee Wa Two Six, and Ga Re Dumele. She has also tried music and sings with the gospel singing group Exaltation Gospel Choir.
Skeem Saam
Elizabeth plays Principal Thobakgale in the drama series Skeem Saam. She went through several challenges as an administrator at Turfloop High School.
One of her teachers and her loyal friend, Alfred Magongwa, conspired against her. They both plotted to bring her down. They successfully made her lose her job.
The school authorities relieved the principal of her duties. Corruption and mismanagement of school funds were reasons for her dismissal.
After losing the job she was passionate about, the educator became a Junkie. She started doing drugs, but her daughter Elizabeth Thobakgale was there for her.
Later, she summoned the courage to fight for her position and won it back. In the process, the brains behind her downfall were exposed.
Social Profiles
The prominent actress has opened social media accounts with her name Elizabeth Serunye. On her profile, Elizabeth posts about her work, lifestyle, and moments with other actors. She gives followers a glimpse of what to expect on several television shows and series she features in.
Television Roles
- City Ses’la as Zinzile
- Death of a Queen as Lekanago
- Ga Re Dumele as Madipuo
- Home Affairs as Auntie
- Ke Ba Bolelletse as Mme Tshidi
- Moferefere Lenyalong as Mapaseka Montsho
- Mzee wa Two Six as Nokuthula
- Rhythm City as Rose
- Skeem Saam as Principal
- Streets of Mangaung as Ma Annah
- The Coconuts as Joyce’s Friend 2