Prince Chauke

Mpho Malatsi is one of the actors in the popular e.tv soapie Backstage who is keen to hang up his jacket and settle down for as long as it takes.

Malatsi plays Sgolwane in the soapie, which is beamed every weekday at 6.30pm.

Sgolwane hails from the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. He came to Johannesburg and became the loyal henchman of Duke, played by Carlo Radebe.

He is now a barman who seems to clean up after everyone's mess. Malatsi is ecstatic to be part of the Backstage family and is eager to redouble his efforts to make the grade in the soapie.

"I have now settled down and I am enjoying every minute of my day."

So said the man who acted in the controversial Yizo-Yizo drama series, playing the role of Cargo, a gangster leader in prison.

The 29-year-old actor from Dark City, Alexandra, has featured in a number of local television productions, including Zero Tolerance. He also played Duma in Molofish 2.

Malatsi said he attributes his success in the industry to Bongani Linda, an actor, writer and director who has always been an inspiration to him.

"This guy gave me a new lease on life. He was able to guide me and train me to become who I am at the moment. I do not have formal qualification in acting but I have learnt a lot from him."

Apart from acting, the outspoken actor has partnered with a friend and they run a successful tourism company.

Malatsi enjoys cooking, is an avid squash player and has a penchant for writing music.