Model-turned-actress Kabelo “Precious” Makgaretsa is a 33-year-old South African actress, model and voice artist who was born in Pretoria, South Africa (and currently lives in Johannesburg).
Precious transitioned into performance art in 2011, following 8 successful years of modelling.
Known for her first principle role in a TV series (Tempy Pushas season 1), and her starring role in the political TV series 90 Plein Street (season 4, 5 & 6). She is a cast member on The Bantu Hour (comedy sketches) and has voiced numerous TV and radio commercials.
She has also been featured in a supporting role in the feature film: Catching Feelings. (alongside Pearl Thusi, and it currently airs on Netflix). She is also a seamstress, crafter and keen writer.
I had the lovely opportunity to meet up with precious to find out a bit more about her journey thus far.
What inspired you to change from modelling to acting full time?
I met a South African film director by the name of Amanda Lane, at an audition, she believed in my performance ability and encouraged me to give acting shot. At the time I didn’t have the energy to do both at once, so I had to let modelling go. I’m keen to pick it up again now that I have laid my actor foundations.
At what age did you want to become a model as well as an actress?
I remember I was a teenager, looking at the works of Primrose Moloantoa, Lerato Mpho Moloi , Nakedi Rabane, Lleleti Khumalo (Sarafina) and others. It became a dream
What would you say you enjoy most?
Acting, and voice overs. Voice overs are fun.
Who are some of your role models you look up to in the industry and why?
Connie Ferguson, Amanda Lane & Carol Bauwer… because of exceptional talent and evident fortitude.
How did you take the craft of acting seriously and form a legitimate successful career from it?
I am yet to turn it into a real successful career, there is a lot that I’d still like to achieve, but, I managed to take a few performance art courses since 2011, all which have been helpful: Meisner, Improvisation, Foundations of acting, script writing. I also managed to have a few sessions with the acting coach Dorothy Anne Gould.
I took it seriously from the moment I got my first principle role on Tempy Pushas season 1, I had to focus on it with all my strength. Another reason is because I decided to be a method actor, I spent a lot of time working on technique, time well invested.
What are some of your creative projects you have been working on and how has it been so therapeutic for you to channel your creativity through these avenues?
Besides performance art, the other therapeutic outlets which I enjoy are handcrafts, sewing, and writing. At the moment I am to find a publisher for a little book I’ve written. There is definitely a common thread that goes through everything I do, many of which are psychological and philosophical, some of which wouldn’t be a smooth operation without the other.
For an example, to be effective at voice overs I have to literally act in-front of the mic, it is a performance unlike acting, and yet it is, voice acting.
Another example, if I didn’t have the gift of crafting and sewing, I’d probably not be as centred as I need to be infant of camera, the two keep me calm, even by the activity of going to art shops and fabric shops.
How would you say you have changed as a person having focused on the craft of acting?
Good question. I have become a little more compassionate, understanding and have also learned a lot about body language and human behaviour. Also to be honest I’ve learnt a lot about the world, and myself and how to navigate challenging spaces.
What can we look forward to from you in 2020?
Getting back into the swing of things, especially because I took an almost 2 year break from the industry. I will be trying again with a more refreshed mindset and effective strategy.
What are some of the life lessons you have learnt in pursuing your dreams?
Anything can be taught.
Nothing beats preparation.
Sometimes you only get the hang of it while you’re on the job, its ok, just do your best.
Are there any words of wisdom you would like to share with youth who would love to follow in your footsteps?
There are no friends in show business.
Sign up with an agent, get into a course/class to educate yourself about as much of your field as possible, take care of yourself and get the job done well, no excuses.
Try as much as possible to stay grounded and in control of self.
Please don’t take the rejection personally, one day you too will be the chosen one, more than once if you work hard enough and manage to be at the right place, at the right time, prepared.
PHOTO CREDIT: JUSTIN MUNITZ