Kagiso Modupe’s Unconventional Path to Wealth
Kagiso Modupe’s Unconventional Path to Wealth: Using His Influence to Promote Circumcision.Renowned actor and director, Kagiso Modupe, best known for his portrayal of Mangi Nyathi on e.tv’s hit series “Scandal!,” recently unveiled the surprising story behind his journey to becoming a millionaire. In an exclusive interview with King David, Modupe revealed that he utilized a rather unconventional method involving his private parts to achieve financial success.
The South African film director, seeking to make a positive impact on his society, embarked on a public circumcision campaign to promote the importance of the procedure. Modupe, who had been married to his wife for 12 years and was not circumcised himself, realized that his personal experience could serve as a catalyst for change. He partnered with Brothers For Life and Right to Care to launch an influential campaign encouraging men to undergo circumcision alongside him.
To generate widespread awareness, Modupe created a compelling social media advertisement, wherein he pledged to donate R1 for each man who decided to undergo circumcision. The campaign quickly gained traction, capturing the attention of men across the nation. Astonishingly, in just a single day, Modupe succeeded in persuading a staggering 1.1 million South African men to undergo the procedure, ultimately amassing his first million through the initiative.
Kagiso Modupe’s Unconventional Path to Wealth

Beyond his financial achievement, Modupe’s campaign sparked a much-needed conversation surrounding male circumcision. By leveraging his celebrity status and personal story, he successfully educated and encouraged men to prioritize their health and well-being. The campaign not only aimed to reduce the risk of certain medical conditions but also sought to address cultural and social stigmas surrounding circumcision.
Modupe’s entrepreneurial endeavors extend beyond his groundbreaking campaign. Often referred to as the “Tyler Perry” of Mzansi, he shared insights into his latest cinematic creation, “Losing Lerato,” which starred his own daughter, Tshimollo Modupe. The film, released in September 2019, swiftly soared to the top of major theater charts, becoming the first independent production to gross over R4.1 million within five weeks, according to IOL.
The success of “Losing Lerato” extended far beyond local recognition. The film received six nominations at the prestigious Idyllwild International Festival Of Cinema in California, including categories such as Best Actor (Kagiso Modupe), Best Actress (Samela Tyelbooi), Best Supporting Actress (Tshimollo Modupe), Best Supporting Actor (Thato Molamu), Best Director (Sanele Zulu), and Best Cinematography (Gavin Sterrley). This recognition not only affirmed Modupe’s creative talents but also solidified his position as a respected figure within the film industry.
With the recent news of “Losing Lerato” receiving an invitation to screen at the renowned Idyllwild International Festival in Palm Springs, California, Modupe expressed his gratitude and excitement. He took to social media, announcing, “It is our pleasure to announce that #losinglerato has been nominated and will be screening at the @IdyFest in Palm Springs, California next month.”
Kagiso Modupe’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike. His unconventional approach to wealth creation, driven by a desire to make a positive impact, showcases the power of using one’s influence for the betterment of society. As he continues to push creative boundaries and challenge societal norms, Modupe’s contributions to the film industry and beyond are set to leave a lasting legacy.