Q&A: Mo Setumo on playing the role of Tshedi Montsho in The Wife Season 3

Actress Mo Setumo plays the role of Tshedi, the loyal older daughter of Kgosi, and Naledi’s elder sister. She was never as smart as Naledi and from an early age, it has been obvious that Naledi was Kgosi’s favourite. So, in response, Tshedi subconsciously starts taking her duty as the eldest seriously – this is her way of seeking Kgosi’s approval. But, her actions become more and more questionable as she tries to assassinate her little sister’s character.

We chat to Mo about her character and her experience of working on Showmax’s ground-breaking telenovela The Wife Season 3.

What makes your character interesting?

Tshedi is very layered, she’s always scheming and you never know what she has up her sleeve. I think that’s what gives her that element of being interesting. She’s always up to something.

How can the audience relate to your character?

Firstly, I hope no one relates to my character because if you do and you’re an older sister then you’re a problem. Tshedi is a problem for Naledi, for her dad and so I hope you don’t relate.

Do you know anyone in real life who is like Tshedi?

There’s a lot, but I can’t say names because I can’t expose people. But it’s justified, you know how parents always make the older siblings feel like they are the parents and the youngest are the favourite ones. Parents need to start loving their children the same and treat them equally. That way, they won’t have a Tshedi situation.

Fun questions

What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever done for you?

I don’t think it was weird, that was cute. I will say it and you guys can decide if it was weird. So at the complex I used to stay in, someone wrote a card for me and bought me flowers and a box of chocolates. I don’t know if that’s weird, creepy or cute. I think that was cute.

Okay, the only weird thing a fan did to me was trying to kiss me, like tongue and all. He just grabbed me by the neck and tried to kiss me. It was hectic. I don’t blame him, I’d kiss me too but you know… (laugh)

What’s your biggest fear?

So I’m terrified of any large body of water. For some reason if I’m around it I feel like I’m going to drown.

What is the best or worst purchase you’ve ever made?

The best would be my car, I love that girl. I love you, baby. The worst has to be sneakers. Why do sneakers have to be so expensive? They’re ridiculously expensive for shoes. That’s my worst purchase.

Last question, what ridiculous thing has someone tricked you into doing or believing?

That’s a good one. Nobody can trick me into doing anything. Everything I do is because I want to. When it comes to believing, that true love exists. I don’t know, I think that’s fair, right? Does it exist, what do you think?

New episodes of The Wife Season 3 are already streaming on Showmax, with new episodes landing every Thursday.