Mpho Sibeko on playing a charming, ambitious man in Showmax film, Pheletso

Pheletso drops on Showmax on Friday, 18 April 2025, after the gripping thriller had its premiere at the Joburg Film Festival last month. 

Mpho Sibeko (Blood & Water, Gauteng Maboneng) stars as KB, a charming, ambitious young man who seems to have it all – until one wild night lands him in hospital with almost no recollection of how he ended up there.

Kay Bikitsha (Nozuko in Gqeberha: The Empire) co-stars as Detective Grace, opposite Zazi Kunene (Generations: The Legacy), Sekoati Tsubane (Kabelo on 7de Laan) and SAFTA Best Actor nominee Nkosinathi Emanuel Gweva (Thina Sobabili, Vaya).

Part of Showmax’s first-time directors slate in partnership with the Joburg Film Festival, Pheletso is helmed by Zack Mtombeni and produced by multi-award winners Urban Brew.

Watch the trailer for Pheletso

Sanelisiwe Mhlati caught up with Mpho to find out more. 

What was it like to play someone whose world changes so drastically?

As most of us have experienced, life is full of surprises. Having gone through my own fair share of unexpected turmoils, I found the story intriguing and relatable in the way it replicates life’s twists and turns. 

If you could take one thing from KB’s wardrobe or lifestyle, what would it be?

I’d take his club.

If you were hosting a night out at KB’s club, which three songs would have to be on the playlist?

• John by Lil Wayne & Rick Ross
• Lemon Pepper Freestyle by Drake & Rick Ross 
• Run Jozi by AKA & KO

Between you and your character, who’s the bigger flirt?

Definitely KB. I’m an awkward turtle until I’m comfortable. And even so, I don’t know what flirting is. Comfort for both parties is paramount.

Pheletso deals with themes like guilt, justice and redemption. What message do you hope audiences take away?

I hope the audience takes to heart that regardless of one’s mishaps, accountability remains at the forefront. I hope they relook at their own family dynamics and aim to work towards a cohesive coexistence and cherish what they have at all times.

The film explores the lengths people will go to protect themselves or their loved ones. How do you wrestle with your own survival instincts versus doing the right thing?

Doing the right thing should never be in question. It’s the prerequisite. On the other hand, survival instinct is something everyone should be able to tap into, just not at the expense of anyone else. I, for one, believe everyone should be able to confront themselves and be able to discern between knowing when they have made a blunder and when not to take the blame for others’ actions.