Mapula Mafole

Mapula Mafole (born 18 July 1990) is a South African actress best known for playing the role of Mapula on the e.tv soapie Rhythm City.

Early life Mafole was born in Diepkloof, Soweto, Gauteng and raised in Klerksdorp, North West. Her parents Moses and Monica Mafole later moved her and her siblings to Tshwane, Pretoria when she was 10, before they relocated to the United Kingdom. In 2013, she graduated and now holds AFDA degree.

Career

In 2012, Mafole made her television debut with a cameo role on SABC1 drama series Intersexions playing the role of Beauty. In interviews she has spoken about how the role resonated with her personal history and mental-health struggles, and that playing Mapula helped her confront and channel her experiences.

Due to her youthful appearance, she has noted in media that she was often cast as teenagers, even after becoming an adult. In 2020, she told a newspaper that as she approached her 30s she hoped to take on more mature roles, potentially even "villainous" characters, rather than always be typecast as the victim or "schoolgirl" type.

In the following years she starred in various productions, including the Ke Bona Spoko (2022), Expiry Date, and My Girlfriend’s Father (2023).

In 2024 she was announced to star in 016 FM, a drama series for Showmax.

Personal life Mafole has spoken candidly about her personal battles with depression and anxiety, describing how growing up without her parents around and moving as a child contributed to difficult emotional times. She has credited acting, especially emotionally demanding roles, as a form of therapy and self-help.

Awards and nominations List of Accolades Award / Film Festival Year Nomination Project Recipient Result Ref.South African Film and Television Awards 2018 Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting ActressRhythm City 2020 Golden Horn Award for Best Actress 2021 Golden Hord Award for Best Supporting Actress

Filmography

Television Year Title Role Notes 2012 Intersexions Beauty Cameo role 20152022 Rhythm City Mapula Main role