Clement Maosa, the talented actor known for his role as Zamokuhle ‘Kwaito’ Seakamela-Maputla in the beloved South African soap opera Skeem Saam, made headlines not just for his performances but for his candid discussion about his mental health battles. During an appearance on Mac G’s Podcast and Chill, Maosa shared his heart-wrenching journey, revealing the challenges he faced growing up, including poverty and the loss of his parents at a young age.
Born into difficult circumstances, Maosa’s early life was marked by hardship and grief. He emphasized that the passing of his father was a significant turning point, plunging him into a profound emotional crisis. “I tried, eish, I think I was going through a lot around that time,” he explained, reflecting on the feelings that led to his first suicide attempt. He described the hopelessness he felt, akin to being trapped in a dark tunnel with no way out, a sentiment all too familiar to those struggling with mental health issues.
In a moment of desperation, Maosa recounted how he ingested Soft ‘n’ Free hair relaxer in his first attempt to end his life. Surprisingly, he shared that the substance did not have the lethal effect he intended, revealing the chaotic and desperate mindset he was in during that period. He vividly remembered trying to find something that resembled a chemical harm, a desperate act born out of pain and confusion. Fortunately, he received immediate medical attention, which prevented his plan from succeeding.
“The first time I actually chowed (ate) the hair remover thing…ermm Soft ‘n’ Free, yeah I just think I ate a lot of it and funny enough it did not do anything. Later on they gave me milk or something…”
His second suicide attempt was equally harrowing. Maosa described the moment he decided to steer his father’s Toyota Cressida head-on into an oncoming haulage truck. With a shudder, he recalled how his father had taught him to drive, and how that very knowledge became a tool in his moment of despair. However, something stopped him in that critical moment, saving him from a grave choice.
Throughout his conversation, what shone through was Maosa’s resilience and determination to overcome the pain of his past. He took a moment to reflect on his journey, delivering a poignant message meant for himself. “Your parents left you as a teenager with nothing but look at you. You stood the worst of times and lost so many loved ones but look at you now…” The self-affirmation was not only a reminder of his strength but also a message of hope for others facing similar struggles.
Clement Maosa’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of mental health awareness and the need for open conversations about suicide and depression. By sharing his experiences, Maosa not only raises awareness but also encourages others who may feel trapped in their struggles to seek help and find hope. His journey is a reminder that despite the darkness, there is always a path to healing and resilience.