Before becoming one of South Africa’s most respected filmmakers and creative powerhouses, Thabang Moleya was just a bright-eyed young boy from Tembisa with big dreams and a contagious smile, one that captured the hearts of thousands when he became a K-TV presenter in the late 1990s.
Today, Moleya is the acclaimed director and co-founder of Seriti Films. It is the production company behind some of the country’s most beloved shows, including Gomora, The Wife, and The Queen. But as he reflects on his journey, he credits his humble beginnings on the kids’ television show that shaped a generation.
Break-out star
“I remember the audition process clearly,” Moleya recalls.
“There was a big open audition and we were shortlisted from thousands of kids. I went through at least six different callbacks before they finally told me I’d been selected as a K-TV presenter.”
What makes his story even more remarkable is that, growing up, Thabang’s family didn’t even have access to M-Net.
“At home, we couldn’t afford a decoder, so we only had Open Time. So, growing up in Tembisa, no one actually believed I was on K-TV. Only the families who had M-Net could see me on TV.”
Despite that, Moleya’s charm and confidence stood out. It laid the foundation for a creative journey that would later revolutionise South African television.
Years later, Thabang still holds fond memories of the friendships and connections built during his K-TV days.
“Since we’re in the same industry, I’ve kept in touch with Wandile Molebatsi from Coal Stove Pictures,” he said. “We’ve even tried to collaborate and work together through our companies.”
He’s also reconnected with several of his former co-presenters online.
“On Facebook, I’m in touch with this big K-TV community. And I’ve reconnected with Heather McKenzie, Rebecca Solomons, and Jena Dover.”
More of a passion than a job
For Moleya, K-TV was more than just a job. It was an education in storytelling, production, and the power of representation.
“K-TV was instrumental in opening my eyes to the industry. As a township boy from Tembisa, it was my first real exposure to the world and to endless possibilities. That experience sparked my creative direction in the arts.”
Travelling across Africa and meeting fans gave him insight into the importance of authentic stories.
“The more you work with people, the more you care for people. We got to travel and meet K-TV fans in different parts of Africa, which was such an amazing experience. What I took from that, as a director today, is the ability to capture the authentic voices of the people.”
That compassion and curiosity now define his directorial voice.
“My stories reflect the authenticity of the South African narrative. K-TV influenced how I shoot people, with a gentler and more intentional lens.”
Two decades later, Thabang’s work behind the camera continues to inspire the next generation. Much like K-TV once inspired him.
“Without K-TV, there would be no Thabang Moleya, no Seriti Films, and no Gomora or Happiness is a Four-Letter Word,” he says.
His gratitude toward MultiChoice, the company that gave him his first big break, is unwavering.
“MultiChoice will always have a special place in my heart. Because not only was I a breakout star on their platform, but our first breakout telenovela as Seriti Films was also with them.”
