Botswana is increasingly seeing a growth in the number of thespians making it into the South African television industry.

One of these actresses happens to be Lerato Dintwe, an actress who has been featured in some of the leading South African soapies and productions.

Sharing her story of how it all began, Dintwe tells this publication in an interview that it was sheer determination that landed her on television. She explains that she saw a post by one of the actors, Mzikayise Makroti of Diep City who had posted that they were looking for Male actors. She sent an inbox to Makroti, who played the role of Fistos on the telenovela, asking him to tip her the next time they are looking for women. It was not long afterwards, that he called her to tell her that they were looking for women.

And the rest as they say is history. Dintwe would get a background role or what some call an extra on set, as a cousin to one of the lead actors on Diep City, Mgegedza , played by Mduduzi Mabaso. It was that small background role that opened doors for her, and she has not looked back since. She has also had small roles as an extra on other leading productions such as Muvhango, where she was a board member, The River telenovela twice, where her latest role was Rethabile’s mother. Rethabile was a character that fell on the clutches of a serial killer who hated women. She also had the role of Enzo’s nanny, still on The River, as well as The Estate where she was a Journalist. Her latest role is on Blackdoor, which airs week days on ETV, where she is Leadership. Leadership is a powerful woman in Parliament who has everything that she wants, and can pull strings to make things happen. She will soon be appearing on two Mzansi Magic productions which are yet to air. Narrating her story, she explains that she has always loved Tv. “I have always wanted to see myself on television,” she explains.

She further says that she looks up to veterans such as Mam Linda Sebezo, who is also on the Blackdoor, for inspiration. According to Dintwe, Sebezo is always ready to share and impart knowledge of how an actress can improve their craft.

“I am learning so much from her. She is always willing to share how we can bring out a character, and is always open to correcting us,” she says.

As for her future, she is now looking at penetrating the movie industry, and growing her brand.

I am learning so much from her. She is always willing to share how we can bring out a character, and is always open to correcting us