South African Netflix star Thapelo Mokoena is set to visit Uganda from 12 to 16 February 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening collaboration between Southern and East African creative industries.
The five-day visit is organised by Reach A Hand Uganda and the Ikon Film and Television Awards as part of the Ikon Awards 2026 roadmap. The programme is designed to connect filmmakers, actors, and creatives across the continent while promoting skills transfer and regional partnerships.
During his stay in Kampala, Mokoena will take part in high-level media engagements, host specialised masterclasses on film and creative entrepreneurship, and attend exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with fans and industry stakeholders. Organisers say the visit will serve as a strategic bridge between creative ecosystems in different African regions.
Mokoena brings more than two decades of experience in film and television. He began his acting career in 2000 on the long-running South African soap opera Generations and later appeared in a wide range of drama series and films. His international credits include roles in the UK series Bulletproof and productions such as Trackers and Wild at Heart.
He portrayed Elias Motsoaledi in the Hollywood biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and has featured in several Netflix titles, including Kings of Jo’burg, Fatal Seduction, and other recent productions that have expanded his global profile.
Beyond acting, Mokoena is also a television presenter and brand ambassador, having hosted reality shows and appeared in campaigns for both local and international brands. In 2017, he founded Bakoena Brands, which later formed the Bosman Bakoena Brands partnership behind the award-winning Nero wine label and several African lifestyle brands in grooming and wellness.
Humphrey Nabimanya, founder and chief executive officer of Reach A Hand Uganda and the Ikon Awards, said Mokoena’s visit presents a rare opportunity for Ugandan creatives. He noted that the actor’s experience across film, entrepreneurship, and social impact offers valuable lessons on building sustainable global brands rooted in authentic African storytelling.
The Ikon Awards 2026 roadmap has already featured activations in Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda under the theme “Beyond Borders,” which celebrates filmmakers and industry professionals from across Africa. The Uganda visit continues this continental engagement ahead of the 2026 awards edition.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Mokoena said Uganda’s creative industry is growing rapidly, driven largely by a young population. He expressed optimism that the sector can create sustainable income opportunities for young people and said he looks forward to sharing his experience to help amplify African culture and stories on global platforms.
