Amukelani Kholofelo Baloyi popularly known on social media as Dhura.
Every time Amukelani Kholofelo Baloyi uploads a comedy skit, thousands of people stop scrolling to watch. Better known as Dhura, the Kgapane-born entertainer has become one of Bolobedu’s most recognisable social media personalities, amassing more than 255,000 followers on Facebook through his unique brand of comedy.
But behind the laughter lies a story of perseverance, sacrifice and a lifelong passion for acting.
Born and raised in Kgapane, Dhura says acting has always been his first love. Faced with limited employment opportunities, he turned to content creation as a way of pursuing his dream while earning a living.
“Acting has always been my passion,” he said. “I always saw myself becoming a professional actor. Content creation became my way of fighting poverty while doing something I truly love.”
His passion for acting began long before social media. While attending W.M. Kgatla School, he played leading roles in stage productions and also served as a master of ceremonies during school events. Growing up in church also helped shape his talent.
“I would watch everything that happened in church, then go home and act it all out. That’s where my love for acting really started.”
Ironically, despite entertaining hundreds of thousands of people online, Dhura describes himself as naturally shy.
“I enjoy being around people, but I’m actually one of the shyest people you’ll ever meet,” he said.
A born-again Christian and father to his five-year-old son, Bennet, Dhura says his faith and family continue to inspire him to keep chasing his dreams.
His career reached a turning point in 2023 when he left the group he had been working with to establish his own production team.
“Starting on my own changed everything. That’s when I got my breakthrough in content creation,” he said.
Today, he writes, directs and produces most of the content for his team, working alongside actress and his girlfriend, Nthabiseng “Silenta” Makgopa. Together, they continue to produce comedy skits that attract thousands of viewers across social media.
Dhura believes his productions stand out because they offer more than just laughs.
“I focus on creating stories that are unique and make sense. I want people to laugh, but I also want them to connect with the story.”
His talent has also opened doors in the film industry. In 2023, he successfully auditioned in Pretoria for the movie Lost Horizon, which was filmed in Gravelotte, where he portrayed a bodyguard.
The following year, he participated in the Khepepe Auditions under the guidance of Moses Rasekele, where he was recognised as a director. His team received an Excellence Award, while his own production, Pay Back the Money, also earned him recognition.
Despite his growing popularity, Dhura says content creation demands far more hard work than many people realise.
“People think creating content is child’s play, but it’s not. It takes passion, dedication and consistency. There was a time we shot content every day for three months so that we could post daily for six months. Back then I didn’t even own a phone.”
Away from the cameras, Dhura believes in giving back to the community. He regularly donates school uniforms and shoes to children from disadvantaged families, saying success means little if it cannot improve the lives of others.
His father, Simon Ramatsoma, a former footballer, says he is proud of what his son has achieved.
“I am proud of the work my son is doing and I wish him nothing but the best in life,” said Ramatsoma.
While his work is now generating an income, Dhura hopes to secure more bookings and support from government, businesses and the public as he continues pursuing his dream of becoming one of South Africa’s leading television actors.
Those wishing to book Dhura for events, productions, promotional campaigns or appearances can contact him on 076 606 7318.