Kagiso Rakosa Reflects on Fame, Work and Finding Her Place in the Industry

Kagiso Rakosa, best known for playing Sharon on Generations, says her years in the spotlight taught her that visibility and stability are not the same thing. She joined the long-running soap in 2004 and quickly became one of the most recognisable faces on South African television. But after several successful seasons, she stepped away, a decision that led to years away from the screen and questions about where she had gone.

In an interview with Daily Sun, she explained that her absence was not planned but shaped by how unpredictable acting can be. She said she learned early that work in the entertainment industry doesn’t always come easily, adding that there are times when “you might sit for years without getting a job” or “go to auditions and make it to the top five, but that role is not for you.” It was a clear reflection of the uncertainty that many actors quietly face between productions.

Rakosa told News24 that while her early success on Generations gave her a platform, it also came with exhaustion and pressure. She admitted that “in a way, I felt like I lost myself, especially if the workload is too much.” Her time on one of the country’s most-watched shows brought both recognition and strain, something she now looks back on with greater perspective.

After leaving Generations, Rakosa explored other sides of the media world, including radio, and later made appearances on Muvhango and other local productions. She told Youth Village that she had “been quiet for some years,” describing her return as a reminder that her passion for performance never disappeared, even when the work slowed down.

Reflecting on the changes in the industry, Rakosa told Sowetan that she feels the relationship between actors, audiences and the media has shifted since her early years. “Back in the day, the audience and media in general were warm and accepted us positively. Unfortunately, that feeling has disappeared,” she said. It’s a sentiment that highlights how public perception of local talent has become harsher and more demanding in the digital era.

Rakosa remains clear about what keeps her grounded. She told Daily Sun that she has always believed acting should come from passion, not image or attention, saying that “those who just want to do it for fame will be short-lived. What about next week?” Her words reflect a straightforward understanding of a career that can change as quickly as it begins.

While she keeps her current projects largely private, Rakosa continues to work within creative and media spaces. Her experiences, from rapid fame to time away from the spotlight, have given her a realistic view of what it takes to stay in the industry. She no longer measures success by how visible she is, but by whether the work still feels meaningful.