From commanding the screen as the lead character on (the weekday Mzansi Magic hit drama) to stepping into the high-stakes action series (premiering on September 7, also on Mzansi Magic), Lunathi Mampofu is more than just your favourite performer. A mom first and a quiet soul at heart, she describes herself as “a woman who prays, cries and laughs with unfiltered joy” when no one is watching, enthusing that she’s currently knee-deep in her season of alignment.
“I’m working on projects that not only challenge me as an actress but also heal parts of me. Stories like and feel like they were written for me. I’m also nurturing ideas around wellness, self-defence for women and creating more intentional spaces for creatives. This is my season of purpose,” she declares. Behind Lunathi’s killer acting skills lies a wellness routine that nourishes both her body and mind. Below, she details the habits that keep her ready for whatever life throws her way.
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Lessons keeping you afloat right now…
“Letting go of the illusion of control. Reminding myself that rest is not a reward, it’s essential. And most importantly, my ‘No’ is sacred. Boundaries are an act of self-love – and I’m learning not to negotiate with things that disturb my peace.”
Exercise I’d choose to do for the rest of my life…
“Pilates all day, every day. It’s gentle but fierce. It teaches you how to breathe through discomfort as well as how to show up for yourself with grace. And it keeps the core strong – mentally and physically.”
Theme song to my fitness routine…
“Definitely by Beyoncé because every workout feels like I’m releasing something – be it stress, fear or doubt. And by the end, I feel reborn – like I’ve reclaimed my power!”
On nurturing my mental health…
”If I could press pause on life for one day, just for mental wellness purposes, I’d disappear into nature with no cellphone signal. Just me, a journal, tea, a view of the mountains and a blanket. I’d nap. I’d cry. I’d dance barefoot – all in an attempt to return to myself.”
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Instant mood lifter…
“Definitely my soulful healing playlist – a mix of Zoë Modiga, Lianne La Havas and a lot of gospel. That, and reminding myself that God didn’t bring me this far just to leave me.”
Self-care routine that I never skimp on…
“Skincare and prayer – even if it’s just for two minutes. That’s me cleansing the day’s events – not just from my skin, but my spirit too!”
Traditional SA dish that I wish were calorie-free…
“Umphokoqo with amasi, hands down! It’s comfort in a bowl – creamy, nostalgic and so satisfying. If I could make that magically calorie-free, I’d have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner without any second thoughts.”
Three people I’d take with to a mindfulness retreat…
“Skye, my daughter, because her energy is pure magic. She reminds me to stay present, to laugh more and remain curious. My mom, because she’s my anchor. Her strength and quiet wisdom have shaped the woman I am today. And my spiritual mentor, because their presence grounds me. We’d pray, journal, reflect… and I know I’d leave that retreat more rooted, more whole and more aligned.”
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Funniest moment during a workout…
“I once dropped a weight on my foot mid-workout, mid-practising for the next day’s scenes, because I thought I could multitask. Biggest lesson that moment taught me – focus or fall, babes [chuckles].”
Go-to meal on the busiest days…
“A warm roasted veggie and chickpea salad with quinoa, avocado, lemon, olive oil, fresh jalapeño and a handful of toasted seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower and sesame. I load it up with colourful veggies like sweet potato, baby spinach, red cabbage and cherry tomatoes. It’s hearty, nourishing and gives me everything I need to fuel for my day – with flavour, crunch and just the right amount of spice.”
Most dreaded exercise…
“Burpees. I feel like they were invented by someone who just wanted to see the world suffer in unison. But they work, I’ll give them that! Stair master/climber, as well – YOH!”
