Many South Africans first fell in love with Cornet Mamabolo as Thabo “Tbose” Maputla on the hit SABC 1 drama Skeem Saam. For over a decade, viewers watched him grow alongside the character from a mischievous teenager to a responsible family man, cementing his place as one of the most recognisable faces on local television.
While his acting career made him a household name, Cornet’s journey did not end in entertainment. In 2021, he made the bold decision to step away from full-time acting to focus on business development and community work, marking a significant shift toward long-term impact beyond the screen.
Building Businesses with Purpose
Cornet Mamabolo is more than an actor turned entrepreneur — he is a visionary focused on economic growth and community upliftment.
One of his most notable ventures is Digni Financial Services, a company he co-founded to provide accessible financial solutions, including insurance products designed for everyday South Africans. The business places strong emphasis on financial education, accessibility, and empowerment, particularly in communities historically underserved by traditional financial institutions.
He has also expanded into the tourism and hospitality sector through the development of Mabodibane Resort in Limpopo. Located in the scenic Ga Molepo region, the resort blends nature, culture, and adventure, offering activities such as hiking, camping, quad biking, and local markets. Beyond leisure, the resort stimulates local economic activity, creating opportunities in an area previously overlooked by mainstream tourism.
Championing Education and Youth Empowerment
Cornet’s commitment to education predates his business success. Through the Cornet M Foundation, he has supported initiatives aimed at giving back to his home community and beyond. One standout project is the establishment of a community library in Maripathekong, Limpopo, created to nurture a culture of reading and provide access to learning resources previously unavailable to local learners.
In addition to infrastructure development, Mamabolo has been actively involved in programmes such as “Take a Boy Child to Work”, an initiative that empowers young boys from disadvantaged backgrounds by exposing them to professional environments. The programme promotes mentorship, skills development, and career exploration, helping to bridge educational and social gaps. South Africa’s unemployment rate continues to rise at an alarming pace, while the largely theoretical nature of higher learning often prepares young people to become employees rather than entrepreneurs. Recognising this critical gap, Cornet Mamabolo took deliberate action.
Beyond being a successful businessman, he has committed himself to empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs through the establishment of Shandalea College, an accredited skills centre for artisans. The institution focuses on practical training, testing, and certification, equipping young people with hands-on skills that translate directly into economic opportunity.
Reflecting on this milestone, Mamabolo shared:
“My greatest fulfilment this year was building a college for artisans in my village. My greatest gift as a young person. An accredited centre for testing and training — Shandalea College.”
Through initiatives like this, Cornet continues to address unemployment at its roots by investing in skills development, self-sufficiency, and sustainable livelihoods within his community.
Honouring Roots and Legacy
Although his focus has shifted toward business and community development, Cornet has never fully walked away from entertainment. He has expressed continued interest in acting and occasionally attends auditions, showing that his passion for performance remains part of his identity.
His legacy on Skeem Saam also endures. The decision to recast his iconic role after his departure highlighted just how deeply his portrayal of Tbose resonated with audiences.
Inspiring Change Where It Matters
Cornet Mamabolo’s journey represents more than a career transition — it is a story of intentional leadership, social responsibility, and sustainable impact. From financial services and tourism to education and youth mentorship, he continues to demonstrate that success can be rooted in purpose and community.
