AS Women's Month concludes, actor Jerome du Plooy, better known as Slimdope, reflects on his late mum's lasting impact.
The 37-year-old actor from Kliptown, south of Joburg, is widely recognised for his roles in popular Mzansi soapies and movies, including Skeem Saam, Generations: The Legacy, and the movie The Hustle.
Beyond acting, Slimdope is also a motivational speaker, presenter, and an international master of ceremonies (MC), particularly known for his work with the NBA and the Basketball Without Borders programme.
He told Daily Sun his mum was a remarkable woman.
"I got my hustling spirit from my late mum. She was a hustler who started off as a maid and later worked at Sandton City as a cleaner and worked her way up to the security industry," he said.
The actor shared how deeply he was moved by seeing his mum work hard to provide for her family.
ALSO READ | Idols star carves own path!Opens in new window
"I said one day I'll change it because she was phenomenal. She taught me how to love people and that's why giving back has always been important to me. As a kid, I couldn't understand it when she helped everyone in the community," he said.
Slimdope spoke about how her mum's parenting skills shaped his character and values.
"Everything I do, I do in her honour. That's something she instilled in me, being humble. She's always told me to keep my feet on the ground and not always think I'm better than others, no matter what I have and what I'm going to get. She taught me to treat people the same, even without money. She also taught me respect, look them in the eyes, shake hands when I talk to people," he said.
The actor is preparing to host the upcoming Red Bull Half Court event.
