Kagiso Modupe, a well-known South African actor and producer, recently made a surprising confession that has left fans astounded. Best remembered for his role as Mangaliso Nyathi on the popular soap opera *Scandal!*, Kagiso revealed that his journey to financial success was not just driven by his acting career but by an unexpected venture into public health awareness—specifically, a circumcision campaign that earned him his first million.
A Star on Screen and Beyond
Kagiso Modupe’s acting career began in 2005 when he joined the cast of *Scandal!* as Mangaliso Nyathi, quickly becoming one of the show’s most beloved characters. He remained with the soap opera until 2018, when he became the last remaining original cast member. Beyond *Scandal!*, Kagiso also appeared in films such as *Losing Lerato*, *Gog’s Helen*, and *Unpredictable Romance*.
However, it wasn’t just his acting that brought him fame. Kagiso ventured into film production, and his 2019 movie *Losing Lerato* proved to be a major financial success, grossing over R4.1 million within its first five weeks in theaters. Despite his successful career in television and film, Kagiso’s most shocking source of income came from an unconventional campaign.
### The Million-Rand Circumcision Campaign
In a candid interview with podcaster Kagiso Moahlodi, Modupe disclosed how he made his first million—by spearheading a public circumcision initiative. “It’s funny… I used my private parts to become a millionaire,” Kagiso joked, referring to his involvement in a campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of male circumcision. Although Kagiso himself was not circumcised, he used his platform and social media presence to encourage men to undergo the procedure.
Working with organizations such as Brothers For Life and Right to Care, Kagiso promoted the health benefits of circumcision, offering R1 for every person who participated in the campaign. The initiative turned out to be a massive success, with 1.1 million South African men signing up for circumcision in just a single day. This overwhelming response earned Kagiso a remarkable R1.1 million, showing the power of leveraging celebrity influence for social causes.
### A Family-Oriented Life
While Kagiso is known for his on-screen roles and business ventures, he keeps his personal life relatively private. However, he has shared that he has been happily married to Liza Lopes, a fellow film producer, for 12 years. The couple shares two daughters, and Kagiso balances his family life with his professional endeavors. In addition to acting, he also worked alongside his daughter, Tshimollo Modupe, in *Losing Lerato*, demonstrating his dedication to both his craft and his family.
### Financial Success and Future Plans
With an estimated net worth of R3.5 million, Kagiso’s financial achievements reflect his diverse talents and entrepreneurial mindset. From his work on *Scandal!* to his innovative circumcision campaign, he has proven himself to be a multi-faceted personality with an eye for unique business opportunities.
Conclusion
Kagiso Modupe’s unexpected revelation about his success through a circumcision campaign has captured the attention of South Africa, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of the actor’s life. His story is a testament to the power of creativity and social media, proving that innovation can come from the most surprising places. While his acting career remains a major part of his legacy, it is his entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to embrace unconventional ideas that have truly set him apart in the public eye.