Tony Kgoroge

EARLY LIFE

Tony Kgoroge was born on 21 April 1974 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He was exposed to theatre from a young age. His first professional production came while he was still in high school (standard nine / Grade 11) through the Performing Arts Council. He has credited veteran actor John Kani as a major influence after hearing Kani advise on radio that one should study and learn the craft; this inspired Kgoroge to pursue acting seriously. He trained in drama at Pretoria Technikon (now Tshwane University of Technology). He is multilingual, speaking English, Tswana, Afrikaans, and Sesotho.

CAREER

Kgoroge began his career in theatre, appearing in productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mooi Street Moves, Fiddler on the Roof, Woza Albert!, Equus, Die Jogger, SeZaR (a South African adaptation of Julius Caesar, including a UK tour), Nongogo, and Master Harold… and the Boys. In 1997 he won a Vita Award for Best Upcoming Actor. On television he gained early recognition with leading roles in Gaz’lam (as Jimi, 2002–2003) and Zero Tolerance (as Vuyo Khumalo, 2004). Other notable TV credits include Isidingo (as Sammy Chirendza), Soul City, Life is Wild (as Mafika), Tjovitjo (as Mojantji), Black Sails (as Julius), Imbewu: The Seed (as Zimele “Ngcolosi” Bhengu, a long-running role from 2018 onward with returns), Recipes for Love and Murder (as Khaya Meyer / Detective Khaya), Savage Beauty (as Richard Moloto), The Brave Ones (as Luthando Mbatha), eHostela, Umthetho, Jiva!, and others. He was the subject of an episode of the documentary series The Close Up in 2012. In 2011 he withdrew from the M-Net soap The Wild due to a contract dispute before its premiere. His international film breakthroughs include Hijack Stories (2000) as Sox Moraka, Hotel Rwanda (2004) as Gregoire, Lord of War (2005) as Mbizi, Blood Diamond (2006) as a Liberian army officer / Troop Leader, The Bird Can’t Fly (2007) as Scoop, Skin (2008) as Petrus Zwane, Invictus (2009) as Jason Tshabalala (Nelson Mandela’s head of security), The First Grader (2010) as Charles Obinchu, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) as Walter Sisulu, Gums & Noses, Deep State, Bird Boy, and others. He has also directed (including episodes of Hillside).

PERSONAL LIFE

He has been married to fellow South African actress Sthandiwe Kgoroge (née Msomi) since 21 December 2002. The couple has three children. They are often described as a long-lasting entertainment industry couple who publicly celebrate their marriage and support each other. In 2018 the family faced debt-recovery issues linked to unpaid repeat fees from broadcasters; Kgoroge publicly asked people not to focus on their social media, describing themselves as “ordinary people.” He continues to emphasise family, craft, and mentoring younger actors.

Beyond acting, Kgoroge has been involved in arts activism and previously chaired the Creative and Cultural Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA). He continues to work steadily in South African television while maintaining an international film profile. He has spoken about the importance of studying the craft and mentoring the next generation of actors.