Once a beloved face on one of South Africa’s most-watched shows, former Skeem Saam actor Thabo Masoga is now living a very different life from the one he once knew.
Fame, fortune, fast cars—he had it all.
But today, the actor who once played Big Boy’s stern landlord, Ananias, is working as a security guard in his hometown.
It’s a tough shift, both in career and in life—but Masoga is opening up about it with honesty and hope.
Fame, Success, and the Sudden Fall
Back in his Skeem Saam days, Masoga was a household name.
He didn’t just act—he owned the screen.
His portrayal of Ananias made him a fan favorite, and life off-screen seemed just as dazzling.
He bought luxury cars and even a house in Hammanskraal.
But behind the scenes, things were changing. Masoga told Sunday World that a surprising request from the show’s producers led to an unexpected turn.
He was asked to contribute to the scriptwriting—a role he wasn’t hired for.
“I wondered why because I was not their writer. It looked like they wanted to use my talent as a writer to uplift their soapie,” he explained.
After declining, he noticed his character slowly disappearing from the storyline—until the calls stopped altogether.
Working as a Security Guard in His Hometown
Today, Masoga works as a security guard in his home village.
And while it may be a humble job, he says there’s something comforting about doing it in front of the very people who once celebrated his rise.
“I love my job, more so because I work in my home village in front of my fans. They used to celebrate me as their role model,” he shared.
Still, the transition hasn’t been easy.
At first, Masoga says he felt ashamed—unsure how people would react to seeing him in this new role.
“I was ashamed… I didn’t want people to see me like that,” he admitted.
Staying Positive and Holding On to Hope
Even in the face of hardship, Masoga is choosing optimism over bitterness.
Despite losing his cars, home, and income, he hasn’t lost his belief in a comeback.
“As much as I was so heartbroken when I lost all these assets, I remained positive about life. And that is because I have seen great people fall and rise.”
He’s not giving up on his dreams.
The hope of returning to acting—and reclaiming his place in the industry—still burns bright.
“I believe that one day I will find a way out of my situation and back on my feet,” he said.