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LAST LAUGH: Comedian Chris Mapane

 I support a family of seven people, though I never graduated 

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Mapane, who first came to Johannesburg in 2003 for tertiary studies, didn't know that it was tough to survive in this city.

"Being the first one in my family to go to university in 2004 was a highlight, because I was their only hope of breaking the cycle of poverty since we grew up in dire poverty. My single mother struggled to raise four kids on her own," he says.

But failing the second year for his industrial engineering degree in 2005 at the University of the Witwatersrand, got him expelled and his bursary cancelled.

"So I registered for a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2006. But because I did not have stable accommodation I decided it was best to quit my studies," he says.

Mapane turned to being an MC when a friend encouraged him to try out comedy in 2006. It worked out.

"When I started I used to sleep at venues I performed at. I only accepted a gig if I knew I was going to be given a lift to the venue.

"I mainly slept at the Wits university computer labs during this sad part of my life but I had to be out by 7am," he recalls.

"I've never been bitter about any of my circumstances because I know my mother did her best to make sure I get my Matric.

Showing a face beaming with pride he says: "I wanted her to be proud of me and I know she is, because I'm the breadwinner now and I support a family of seven people, though I never graduated".

Fortunately this sad chapter of his life is now over and he has become an in-demand comedian.

Recently he also started to explore his acting talent.

"I featured in the comedy movie Taxi Ride in April last year and in December I wrapped up the filming of the Taxi Ride series," he says.

Last month Mapane was appointed an ambassador of the Gauteng Tourism Association.

- motaud@sowetan.co.za

Comments

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Wed May 22 05:46:45 SAST 2013 ::

Jan 7, 2013

Ponko.Fontoyo

Congrats kid but somehow you seem you were never serious about your education.When you are from a poor family and have a bursary,you needed to work like a slave,my advice is that you go back to school because i'm not going to listen to your comedy.
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Jan 7, 2013

TLekota

But u must get education u can afford now, atleast you will know to manage your finances and not make a joke about them.
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Jan 7, 2013

KarlZimbiri

This comedy/comedian career is not sustainable. Go back to school boy, to finish your engineeering, your mother will be proud of U.
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Jan 7, 2013

Papage

Your futute is where your passion is, the engineering thin was not meant for you, so go all out and entertain us, we will pay, we need people like you to destress, good luck Broer and don't forget where you come from
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Jan 7, 2013

zuluchick

usile lo

youl find he used to drink his way through tertiary i really hate it when celebs play 'i had nothing but R50 in my pocket and a big dream" card...ts.ek but good luck
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Jan 7, 2013

Tpaz!!

security at Wits Labs is lax.
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Jan 7, 2013

zuluchick

oh my i didnt notice the picture this guy is hot for days *drooling*
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Jan 7, 2013

MackThePoet

I went to Wits University with this guy and we stayed in the same Residence (EOH), he is such a funny comedian and a great speaker as well. Engineering aint for everyone, and I think going comic was the best decision he made. Go ahead and all the best Chris
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Jan 7, 2013

Galfrend

If comedy is your passion,go for it but find something else to fall back on..Good luck!
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Jan 7, 2013

KatakataEmaotoAditshepe

Because your wish didnt die Jehovah and Ancestors protected you and were behind you all the way,it's the time for you to thank you.I'm proud of you brother since hardship didnt make you to forget those you left behind and the situation you left then in.
May Jehovah bless you more.
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