34-year old Mongezi Mahlangu – better known to South African fans as Tol Ass Mo – first jumped on to the scene as a comedian, but has since left stand-up comedy to focus on the business of gaming. The reality star (you can watch him and his family on Showmax’s Mo and Mome) explains why he’s choosing video games over the entertainment industry (sort of).
“I’ve been a lover of gaming since a young age. My desire has always been to make gaming accessible to previously disadvantaged communities in South Africa and later into other parts of Africa.”
The first game TAM ever played was Tanks on the bootleg Golden China console, but he says his favourite games include Cadillacs and Dinosaurs as well as Street Fighter. He remembers jamming these titles at the corner store as a kid – and if you won you were highly respected in the community. His favourite esport is anything FPS-related.
How do we get more young South Africans involved in competitive gaming?
“Esports and gaming are the future. In the past, they weren’t actively celebrated or recognised, despite many young South Africans having an interest. Gaming is set to change extensively, and hopefully more young players will have a chance to participate in the revolution of gaming and esports.
For a long time, esports and gaming wasn’t generally affordable for most kids. It’s something many are trying to change, including myself. With my business TAM Gaming Inc., our aim and goal is to give kids the ultimate gaming experience at an affordable price. The more affordable gaming is, the more kids who will play. If the industry can work together with different stakeholders (including schools, parents and government), kids can get their hands on a controller – and once it’s at their fingertips, interest will be a non-issue. I also think there is a lack of education around esports and gaming, if we could educate kids about this then they will build an interest for it.”
You mentioned your company TAM Gaming Inc. – can you tell us more about that?
“TAM Gaming Inc. is a black-owned and operated fourth industrial revolution gaming company with the overall intention of changing the way corporates, organisations, workers, and individuals perceive and interact with the world. We have the desire to reduce the indoor activities and increase outdoor gaming, bringing it closer to the market. The main objective of TAM is to inspire and influence young black people to start their own businesses and perhaps franchise in the long run. Our overall goals are to build and develop the South African esports community, grow South African esports on a global scale and ensure more people are exposed to the international market with the opportunity to compete. We want to provide platforms and opportunities to the previously disadvantaged youth to take part in esports and gaming.”
TAM’s goals are lofty but easily attainable, especially as the drive for the local gaming and esports community to come together and share the industry with new fans continues to speed up. The Rand Show’s Festival of Gaming is a perfect example of this. Esports spectacle Rush will be happening at the Show, offering up a chance for gamers of all levels to try their hand at esports.
Want to know more about what’s happening at Rush and the Rand Show Festival of Gaming? Check out our event hub here.
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