Fana Mokoena facts for kids

Fana Mokoena, born on May 13, 1971, is a famous South African actor and a politician. He has been a Member of Parliament, which means he helps make laws for the country. He first represented his home province, Free State, from 2014 to 2016.

Later, he became a full member of the National Assembly from 2016 to 2020. He returned to Parliament in 2024 after new elections. Fana Mokoena also helped start a political party called the Economic Freedom Fighters.

About Fana Mokoena

His Early Life and Schooling

Fana Mokoena was born in Kroonstad, Free State, South Africa, on May 13, 1971. He grew up in Kroonstad and later went to school in Johannesburg. His mother and stepfather raised him along with his three siblings.

He spent his last three years of high school at Woodmead School. This was the first school in South Africa that allowed students of all races to learn together. It was there that he discovered his love for the arts. He later studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town. He also earned a qualification in Media Studies.

His Family and Background

Fana Mokoena is the oldest of four children. His siblings are Karabelo Israel Mokoena (who has passed away), Tlotlisang Dipallo Charity Pigou, and Mamello Blessings Relebohile Mokoena. His stepfather, Elias Bhuti Mokoena, has also passed away.

Fana Mokoena's mother, Arcillia Mekodi Mokoena, was a political activist. In 1976, she was held by the government because she encouraged a student protest. This protest was in support of the 1976 Soweto Student uprising. She was treated badly during her time in prison. Fana Mokoena also considered his mother's eldest sister, Khasiane Alrina Ntloko, as a mother figure. She helped raise him when his own mother was in prison or away for work and studies.

Fana Mokoena's Acting Career

Starting in Theatre and TV

Fana Mokoena began his acting journey in 1993 with the Playhouse Theatre company. In 1994, he appeared on television for the first time in a South African TV film called The Line. He also had a small part in the movie Dangerous Ground in 1997.

In 1999, he played the character Thula in the popular South African TV show Yizo Yizo. From 2006 to 2009, he played Jaws Bengu in the South African series The LAB. He also appeared in the series Silent Witness in 2008.

Big Roles in Movies

Fana Mokoena has acted in many well-known films. In 2004, he played the Rwandan general Augustin Bizimungu in the movie Hotel Rwanda. This film tells the story of the Rwandan genocide.

In 2010, he played Captain James Sikobi in the South African drama A Small Town Called Descent. The next year, in 2011, he appeared in the action film Machine Gun Preacher alongside Gerard Butler. He played the role of John Garang.

Working with Hollywood Stars

Fana Mokoena has also worked with famous Hollywood actors. In 2012, he had a small role in the thriller Safe House with Denzel Washington. In 2013, he acted alongside Brad Pitt in the zombie movie World War Z. He played the character Thierry Umutoni.

Also in 2013, he played the anti-apartheid leader Govan Mbeki in the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. In this movie, he acted with Idris Elba.

Recent Acting Work

After taking a break from acting to focus on politics, Fana Mokoena returned to the screen. He is now working as a writer and producer for his company, Praise Poet Pictures. In 2021, he joined the popular South African soap opera Scandal!. He plays a main character named Vukile Kubheka.

Awards and Recognition

Fana Mokoena has received several awards for his acting. He won the Best Actor Award at the SAFTA for his role in The LAB. He also won Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the African Movie Academy Awards AMAA in Lagos, Nigeria. This award was for his role in the film Man On Ground.

Fana Mokoena's Political Journey

From ANC to EFF

Fana Mokoena was first a member of the African National Congress (ANC) political party. However, he later left the ANC because he felt it was not doing enough to fight corruption. He then became one of the people who helped start the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party. He is now a member of the EFF's Central Command Team, which is like a leadership group for the party.

Serving in Parliament

From 2014 to 2016, Fana Mokoena was a member of the National Council of Provinces. This is the upper house of the Parliament of South Africa. In 2016, he became a member of the National Assembly, which is the lower house of parliament. He represented the Free State province.

He was re-elected in the 2019 general election. The Economic Freedom Fighters party almost doubled the number of seats they had in parliament during that election. Fana Mokoena resigned from the National Assembly on October 16, 2020. However, he remained part of the EFF's Central Command Team. He returned to Parliament in 2024.

Filmography

• 52 Regent East (1993) as Lead
• The Line (1994) as Tebogo
• Inside (1996) as Prisoner (voice)
• Dangerous Ground (1997) as Youth
• Generations (1999) as Dr. Mandla Sithole
• Jump the Gun (1999) as Man in shacks
• In My Country (2004) as Mandla (uncredited)
• Hotel Rwanda (2004) as General Bizimungu
• Cuppen (2006) as Madoda
• The LAB (2006–2009, South African TV series) as Jaws Bengu
• Silent Witness (2008) as Katembula
• Wild at Heart (2008-2010, TV Series) as Mr Ekotto
• A Small Town Called Descent (2010) as Captain James Sikobi
• State of Violence (2010) as Bobedi
• Hopeville (2010) as Mogapi Khobane
• Machine Gun Preacher (2011) as John Garang
• Man on Ground (2011) as Timothi
• Inside Story (2011) as Goodwill
• Safe House (2012) as Officer in charge
• World War Z (2013) as Thierry Umutoni
• Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) as Govan Mbeki
• Cold Harbour (2013) as Specialist
• The Call (2015) as Sibongiseni
• The Book of Negroes (2015) as Allasane
• Scandal! (2021-2022) as Vukile Kubheka

See also

In Spanish: Fana Mokoena para niños