Becoming in Motion

Thato Mokhutle’s Quiet Power in Fashion and Film

DIGITAL VOL. 01 Story by The Mondays Mag I Thato Mokhutle

From Bloemfontein Roots to Durban’s Creative Pulse

There is a quiet intensity about Thato Mokhutle, a presence that does not demand attention but naturally holds it. Originally from Bloemfontein and now based in Durban, the rising creative moves between two worlds that continue to shape her identity. Reflecting on this transition, she says, “Moving from Bloemfontein to Durban has been a big shift for me, both personally and creatively.” She explains that Bloemfontein gave her “a sense of grounding and structure,” while Durban introduced her to “a more expressive and fluid creative space.” In a coastal city that feels alive with colour and movement, she adds, “it has pushed me to explore myself more, both in my work and in how I see the world.” That duality structure and freedom now lives at the center of her work.

The Making of a Performer

Currently studying towards a BA in Live Performance at AFDA, majoring in Screen Acting, Thato approaches her craft with a sense of intention that goes beyond surface-level performance. “I was drawn to screen acting because of its intimacy,” she says. “The camera captures everything, even the smallest emotion, and that requires a different kind of honesty.” Her journey, however, has not been without unlearning. “The biggest learning curve has been unlearning the need to ‘perform’ and instead learning to be present and truthful,” she explains. “It’s not about doing the most, but about doing what feels real.”This shift has refined her focus. “Right now, I’m focusing on emotional restraint, presence and understanding subtext,” she says. “I’m learning how to communicate more through stillness and internal process rather than obvious expression.” She also challenges common misconceptions, adding, “People assume it’s just about being dramatic or expressive, but a lot of it is actually about discipline, analysis and emotional control.

Fashion as Narrative, Not Just Image

Alongside her academic journey, Thato continues to build her presence as a fashion and editorial model a journey that began early. “My journey into modelling began in Grade 5, although it had always been something I aspired to do,” she says, citing Naomi Campbell as a key inspiration in shaping her understanding of the industry. Yet for Thato, modelling is not simply about appearance. “I don’t just see modelling as posing,” she explains. “I approach it like a performance. Every look, movement or stillness carries a mood or narrative.” Her personal style reflects her grounded nature. “My everyday style is quite minimal and intentional. It’s more relaxed compared to editorial work, but it still reflects who I am,” she says, while editorial spaces allow her to “step into different identities” and expand her creative range.

Where Acting Meets the Lens

For Thato, acting and modelling are not separate lanes, but interconnected expressions. “Acting helps me understand emotion and presence, which I can translate into images,” she says. “It allows me to go beyond just posing and actually embody something.” In return, modelling strengthens her performance on screen. “Modelling has taught me awareness of the camera and how to control my body,” she explains. “That translates into acting, especially in understanding framing and subtle movement.” While the industry often places creatives into boxes, she remains intentional about her path. “I try not to limit myself,” she says. “I see both acting and modelling as part of the same creative language.” Collaboration, for her, is equally important. “I look for creatives who are intentional and open… people who are willing to create something meaningful rather than just something visually pleasing.”

Growth, Identity and the Future

Balancing her studies and modelling career requires discipline, something she continues to prioritise. “It takes discipline and time management,” she says. “I prioritise what needs my attention at the moment, but I also make sure I don’t neglect either side of my work.” On the role of social media, she remains mindful. “It’s very important, but I try to use it intentionally. It’s a platform to showcase my work and identity, not just to exist online.” She also emphasises the role of vulnerability in her work, noting that real emotion is what gives both performance and imagery depth. Looking ahead, her ambitions are clear. “My dream would be to work on a film that is emotionally driven and visually strong, and to collaborate with global fashion brands that value storytelling and identity,” she says. In the next three to five years, she envisions herself “fully established in both acting and modelling, working on projects that align with my creative vision.”For now, success is defined by growth. “Success for me right now is growth…becoming better in my craft and staying true to myself while doing it,” she reflects. She leaves with a sentiment that captures her journey: “I’m still becoming, still evolving, and I think that’s where the beauty of my work lies. I’m not chasing perfection, I want everything I create to feel honest, intentional and lasting.”