Fana Mokoena

Born: 1971-05-13 (age 55)
Birthplace: Kroonstad, Free State, South Africa
Occupation: Actor, Politician, Philanthropist, Social Activist, Writer, Producer
Active: 1993 - Present
Alma Mater: University of Cape Town

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Career Stats

Stable

Movies: 1
Supporting: 1
Years Active: 33yrs
Avg Rating: 5/5
Per Year: 0films
Best Rated: ★5 180

Genre Breakdown

Thriller

Biography

EARLY LIFE

Fana Mokoena was born on 13 May 1971 in Kroonstad, Free State, South Africa. He was raised in Kroonstad by his mother and stepfather, who is deceased now. He has three siblings: the late Karabelo Israel Mokoena, Tlotlisang Dipallo Charity Pigou, and Mamello Blessings Relebohile Mokoena. He completed high school in Johannesburg at Woodmead School, the first fully multi-racial school in the country. His interest in the arts emerged during this period. He later studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town and qualified in Media Studies.

CAREER

Fana Mokoena started his acting career in 1993 as a full member of the Playhouse Theatre company. He made his television debut in 1994 in the South African TV film The Line. He portrayed Rwandan general Augustin Bizimungu in the film Hotel Rwanda (2004), Jaws Bengu in the South African series The LAB (2006–2009), Thierry Umutoni in World War Z (2013), and anti-apartheid fighter Govan Mbeki in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013). Other film works include John Garang in Machine Gun Preacher (2011), Dangerous Ground (1997), Safe House (2012), Man on the Ground (2011), and iNumber Number: Jozi Gold (2023). He was also a Member of Parliament, serving in the National Council of Provinces (2014-2016) and the National Assembly of South Africa (2016-2020, and again in 2024). He is a founding member of the Economic Freedom Fighters party. Mokoena has returned to the Film and Television industry as a writer and producer with his company Praise Poet Pictures and has taken a lead role in the South African soapie Scandal! (2021-2022).

PERSONAL LIFE

Fana Mokoena's mother, Arcillia Mekodi Mokoena, was detained and tortured by the Apartheid regime for political activism in 1976. He is the eldest of four siblings. His mother's eldest sister, Khasiane Alrina Ntloko, also helped raise him. He has one child. Mokoena is an avid reader, philanthropist, and social activist. In his spare time, he enjoys drawing, writing, creating music, and building business ideas. Art and social change are his pinnacle passions.