Skeem Saam actress Vele Manenje has expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming love and appreciation that has poured in from fans who have been captivated by her powerful performance in the role of Evelyn Maswahla.
Her compelling portrayal of Evelyn, a devoted school teacher and mother to Tobias Maswahla—played by Sicelo “Seekay” Buthelezi—has taken audiences on a profound emotional journey, particularly during the intense recent storyline that grapples with the heavy subjects of rape and consent.
The character has deeply resonated with viewers, vividly portraying the turmoil of a mother whose son faces the devastating accusation of rape. In a shocking plot twist, Tobias was handed a 15-year prison sentence for the alleged rape of his girlfriend, Ntswaki Rathoka (Lethabo Mekoa), thrusting the storyline into the spotlight.
This gripping narrative ignited a passionate national conversation about consent and the complexities surrounding it, with Manenje’s poignant performance garnering widespread acclaim. Audiences flocked to social media, praising her exceptional craft and the emotional weight she brought to the role.
Artist Nicholas “Nick Soul” Nkuna took the opportunity to express his admiration, surprising her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation for her remarkable talent and authentic storytelling. “I want to congratulate you for being such a phenomenal actress, for shaking the country and telling stories that matter,” he declared in a heartfelt video while presenting the flowers to Manenje.
“People in taxi ranks, in Sandton, in rural areas, and in townships have been following your story. You told that story with grace and honesty. Evelyn will be one of those characters that will be remembered for a long time. You’ve told such a sensitive, yet very monumental, story. None of that is taken lightly. You are doing such a great job,” he added, emphasizing her impact on the audience.
In response, Manenje took to social media to share her appreciation for Nkuna and the organizing team that facilitated the delightful surprise. “So, South Africa said ‘let’s give her flowers,’ then my brother Nick Soul and my sister Zamo Dlamini made sure they were the first to deliver literal flowers. I cannot even begin to tell you how full my heart is. Thank you, Actor Spaces, for the beautiful bunch of flowers Ayanda Sithebe and his team organized for me, and to everyone else who shares these sentiments. My heart is full,” she expressed joyfully.
Renowned for her impactful performances, Manenje is the recipient of a Safta award for Best Supporting Actress and has made her mark in notable roles across various platforms, including an SABC1 sitcom, Mzansi Magic telenovela, and the hit series Diep City, where she joined the cast in 2021.
When discussing the sensitive role she embraced, Manenje acknowledged the immense responsibility she felt in tackling the critical issues of rape and consent with the seriousness they deserved. “We had to interrogate it from a mother and son perspective as a unit and as individuals,” she elaborated, highlighting the importance of authentic storytelling in such delicate matters.
“The response from everyone who has engaged with this particular storyline has been overwhelmingly positive and impactful to us and South Africa. I just want to take this moment to express my gratitude for how our efforts have been received. It has not been an easy journey at all because opinions on such sensitive issues vary widely. Yet the essence of our work is that we told the story in the best and most honest way possible, and you have seen our genuine intentions,” she concluded, reflecting on the emotional journey the production team undertook.
Interview with Vele Manenje: A Heartfelt Discussion on Her Role as Evelyn Maswahla in Skeem Saam
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Vele! Your performance as Evelyn Maswahla has truly captivated audiences. How does it feel to receive such overwhelming love and support from fans?
Vele Manenje: Thank you for having me! It’s an incredible feeling. The love I’ve received has been overwhelming, and I am so grateful. Knowing that my portrayal of Evelyn has resonated with so many people is both humbling and affirming. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and how it can connect us.
Editor: Your character, Evelyn, is navigating some very intense and challenging themes, especially surrounding issues of rape and consent. How did you prepare for such a powerful role?
Vele Manenje: Preparing for Evelyn was not easy. I spent a lot of time researching and understanding the complexities of trauma and motherhood in situations like hers. I wanted to portray her pain and resilience authentically. Engaging with experts and listening to real-life stories helped me create a more nuanced performance.
Editor: The storyline has sparked a national conversation about consent. What impact do you hope your character’s journey has on viewers?
Vele Manenje: I hope Evelyn’s journey opens up discussions about the importance of consent and the emotional toll such accusations can have on individuals and families. I believe that stories like hers can help shed light on these sensitive topics and encourage empathy and understanding.
Editor: You’ve garnered praise from fellow artists for your work, including a beautiful acknowledgment from Nicholas “Nick Soul” Nkuna. What did his words mean to you?
Vele Manenje: Nicholas’s gesture touched my heart deeply. It’s incredibly affirming when peers recognize the hard work we put into our craft. His video brought tears to my eyes, reminding me that our work does impact people from all walks of life. It’s moments like these that motivate me to keep going.
Editor: Lastly, what message do you want to share with your fans who have supported you through this journey?
Vele Manenje: To my fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support. Your encouragement empowers me to tell these important stories. Let’s continue to engage in conversations about matters that truly matter in our society. Together, we can foster understanding and change.
Editor: Thank you, Vele, for your time and for sharing your insights with us. We look forward to seeing more of your powerful performances in the future.
Vele Manenje: Thank you! It was a pleasure speaking with you.
Editor: The storyline has sparked a national conversation about consent. What impact do you hope your performance will have on this ongoing dialogue?
Vele Manenje: My hope is that Evelyn’s story opens up spaces for honest conversations about consent and the deep emotional ramifications that come with such serious accusations. It’s vital for us as a society to engage with these topics, as they affect many families. I want viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and understand the importance of communication and empathy in these situations.
Editor: You mentioned the research you did for the role. Can you share some insights from your research that impacted your portrayal of Evelyn?
Vele Manenje: Absolutely. One of the key insights was the weight of societal expectations on mothers, particularly in the context of trauma. Many mothers bear the burden of their child’s experiences, and I wanted to ensure that Evelyn’s anguish and love were palpable. I also learned about the complexities surrounding accusations and how they ripple through families, which I aimed to highlight in her journey.
Editor: You received a beautiful surprise from Nicholas “Nick Soul” Nkuna. How did that make you feel, and what do you think about the community’s support for your work?
Vele Manenje: It warmed my heart! It’s humbling to see fellow artists and fans rallying around the work we create. Nick’s gesture was a reminder that storytelling matters; it can bring people together. The support from the community has been incredible, and it shows that people connect deeply with the characters and the stories we tell. I’m grateful for everyone who has expressed their appreciation.
Editor: Reflecting on your career, you’ve tackled a variety of roles and received accolades like the Safta award. How does this achievement contribute to your passion for acting?
Vele Manenje: Every role I take on contributes to my growth as an actress. The Safta award was an acknowledgment of that hard work, but what drives me is the desire to tell authentic stories. I want to continue pushing boundaries and exploring complex characters that reflect real issues. Each performance reaffirms my love for this craft and my commitment to impactful storytelling.
Editor: Thank you, Vele, for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. Your dedication to your craft and the important issues you highlight through your work is truly commendable.
Vele Manenje: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing such meaningful topics, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey.