In a heartfelt episode of King David’s Podcast, former “Rhythm City” star Setlhabi Taunyane, affectionately known as “Bra Kop,” laid bare the struggles he’s faced in his family life, particularly regarding his marriage to his Zimbabwean wife. For 17 years, Taunyane has navigated the complexities of love in a cross-cultural relationship, and unfortunately, it seems that acceptance from his family has been a distant dream, according to The South African.
Taunyane didn’t hold back in sharing his feelings. He candidly mentioned how the roots of his struggles stem from the fact that his wife is from Zimbabwe. “I’m trying my best, especially because my wife is from Zimbabwe. We have suffered because she’s from Zimbabwe,” he reflected. It’s a sentiment that resonates with many who’ve faced similar hurdles—they find love in places society often views with skepticism, only to feel ostracized by their own communities.
Being married for nearly two decades, Bra Kop has learned to cope with the exclusion. He shared a poignant moment: “I just heard that one of my cousins in Diepkloop was getting married two weeks ago, and no one phoned me. It hasn’t changed because I’m married to lekwerekwere (outsider).” His words echo the pain of not just feeling left out of family celebrations, but the loneliness that can accompany that estrangement. Once the connection with a family fades, it creates a void that’s often hard to fill, a reality Taunyane knows all too well.
He encapsulated this ache beautifully when he said, “Do you understand my brother? I’ve learned to live with that. Once you are abandoned by the family, this thing grows bigger, even outside the family.” It’s a stark reminder of how familial support can deeply influence our relationships and sense of belonging.
But it’s not all heavy and somber for the beloved actor. Taunyane also found humor in the situation, recalling the chaos surrounding a series of viral Thai massage videos and photos from earlier this year. “Ne bare get well soon, bare kea shwa” (they were saying I must get well soon because ‘I’m dying’”), he laughed, correcting the misunderstandings people had about his relaxing massages. “And you know when you are getting a massage, you have to go with it, ahhh and it works,” he joked, proving that laughter can lighten even the heaviest of hearts.
Setlhabi Taunyane’s story serves as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of love, culture, and family dynamics. While he faces challenges, his resilience shines through, as does his genuine love for his wife. In a world that often divides people along the lines of nationality or culture, Taunyane’s openness encourages others to embrace love in all its forms—despite the hurdles that might come with it. Here’s to love, acceptance, and the courage to stand firm against the tides of family expectations!
