Siya Sepotokele talks Showmax legal series Law, Love and Betrayal

Siya Sepotokele is no stranger to South African television screens, having acted in The River, Impilo: The Scam, Grassroots, and The Republic. 

Now, in Law, Love and Betrayal, he takes on the role of Thabo, starring alongside the likes of Dineo Rasedile, Pearl Modiadie, Nimrod Nkosi and Anelisa Phewa. 

Xabiso Ngqabe sat down with the Joburg-born actor to find out more. 

Tell us about your character, Thabo.

Thabo is Gugu’s childhood sweetheart; they’ve been together for a long time. They started off as best friends and eventually became lovers. He has been by Gugu’s side through everything, from their school days to her professional career. He’s a good guy who always tries to do the right thing but often ends up making the wrong decisions.

How was your chemistry audition with Gugu?

I had no idea about the show initially—I was just accompanying a colleague to the auditions. He turned out to be too young for the role, so they asked me to audition instead. I originally auditioned for the role of James, but later received a callback to do a chemistry test for Thabo. When I did the chemistry test with Dineo, I immediately knew she was perfect for the role. From the moment we started reading together, everything just flowed effortlessly. Right time, right place.

Thabiso is described as a nice guy who tends to make the wrong decisions for the right reasons. Could you relate? 

To a certain degree. One of my shortcomings is that I always try to make sure everyone else is okay, often neglecting myself in the process. I’d give someone my last few bucks so they can get to work, and then I’d figure something out for myself later. In that way, I relate so much to Thabo. I feel terrible if I can’t help someone, and that’s what helped me understand him and portray him genuinely.

What do you think men in similar situations can learn from a character like Thabo?

I think people can definitely learn from his mistakes. His intentions are pure, but sometimes he needs to take a step back and re-evaluate before acting.

I’d also say it’s important not to fall into the pressures of the world. In his case, for example, his girlfriend works with a good-looking guy. The truth is, there will always be someone who looks better, has more money, or seems more successful, and you just have to work through those insecurities. Even if you don’t have the latest car, you’re still worthy. I feel like a lot of what Thabo does is to overcompensate, but in the end, he ends up sabotaging himself. It’s about being real and content with who you are.

What makes you excited about Law, Love and Betrayal?

We haven’t had a legal show in South Africa for a while now. We’ve had shows that include a bit of law as part of the storyline but, in this series, law is at the center of everything. There are several big storylines, but we spend most of our time in court. Here we have full-on cases being argued. 

It’s also beautifully written, and the team tasked with bringing the story to life truly delivered. You have to see James and Gugu in court, it’s powerful! The courtroom scenes are incredible, and audiences are going to love them.