In the heart of Mahikeng, where dust roads echo with the rhythm of community life and the sound of dreams waiting to unfold, a young girl once stood on a small stage under the mentorship of acclaimed playwright Paul Grootboom. That young girl was Loungo “Fruity” Masire now a force in South African theatre, television, and activism.
From those early days at the North West Arts Council, Loungo learned lessons that would define her approach to storytelling and her place in the arts. “Theatre teaches you discipline and builds confidence,” she reflects. “Paul Grootboom always told us to start by mimicking the people in our lives — their gestures, their speech patterns — because real human behavior is where true acting begins.” Today, after more than two decades in the industry, Loungo embodies that authenticity in every role she plays, from the stage to the screen.
Having performed in more than twenty theatre productions, including the award-winning Relativity – Township Stories, Loungo credits the stage for her unwavering work ethic. “On stage, there is no cut, no edit — the audience is there, right in front of you,” she says. “You must captivate them in that moment. That’s where I learned that there’s no such thing as a small character, only a small actor.” That discipline has shaped her television performances in shows like The Queen, The River, The Estate, and Rhythm City. With over two decades on screen, Loungo has seen the industry transform — for better and for worse.
“We’ve grown in creativity and quality,” she explains, “but the sad thing is the lack of authentic Setswana stories. Nguni storylines dominate our screens, and Tswana-speaking actors are losing opportunities. Our stories deserve to be told too.”
She doesn’t shy away from truth-telling. Her concerns extend beyond representation to the systemic issues facing artists: “Our industry is still unregulated — actors remain unprotected. It’s demoralizing.”
Loungo’s latest role in the Netflix film Lobola Man marked a major milestone in her career. “It was exciting because I finally got to represent my tribe, the Batswana people, on an international platform,” she says proudly. “Working with Thabang Moleya and such talented actors reminded me that dreams do come true if you stay focused.”
And she’s not slowing down. In 2025, fans will see her in Youngings Season 2 and 016FM on Showmax. “These characters are completely different — one is a loving, emotional single mom, and the other is a firm, no-nonsense chairperson. It’s an opportunity for audiences to see my versatility,” she beams.