Amanda Manku opens up about challenging ‘Skeem Saam’ storyline! Actress Amanda Manku, best known for her role as Elizabeth “Lizzy” Thobakgale on Skeem Saam, has shared the emotional toll of her current storyline on the popular SABC1 show. Manku, 33, admitted that portraying Lizzy’s harrowing journey of choosing between her life and her unborn twins was one of the most difficult performances of her career.
In the storyline, Lizzy’s character faces a heart-wrenching decision after doctors reveal that continuing her pregnancy could lead to permanent paralysis.
“The current storyline has Elizabeth facing a rollercoaster of a ride,” Amanda explained. “Years ago, she was shot, and now this has caught up with her. She’s got spinal cord injuries, leading to complications in her pregnancy and the devastating decision of saving her life or the pregnancy—or even continuing with the pregnancy and facing disability.”
Amanda Manku opens up
Amanda Manku opens up
“It’s a very tricky and powerful story,” she shared. “This is one of those stories that require deep understanding before you even start shooting. Social media shows how many people relate to the story because it’s a situation where no decision feels right. It’s not an easy decision to make.”
The actress added that even after the director called “cut,” she found it difficult to detach from Lizzy’s emotions.
Amanda Manku
“Personally, playing this role was intense, and even when they called cut, I found myself still crying because it was so heavy,” Amanda said. “With the help of my co-star Clement Maosa, I managed to portray the storyline.”
Lessons and Reflections
Amanda also emphasized the broader life lessons embedded in Lizzy’s storyline. According to the actress, Lizzy’s current struggles are partly due to ignoring her mother’s advice years ago.
“Even when her mum advised against certain things, she didn’t listen, thinking she knew it all,” Amanda said. “Nine years later, she’s facing challenges. Different choices back then could have prevented this situation.”
Amanda believes the storyline carries an important message about the consequences of our actions. “This story shows us that every action has a reaction. Be mindful of your decisions, as they always lead to repercussions, whether positive or not,” she noted.
Amanda Manku
Audience Reactions and the Importance of Representation
The storyline has resonated with many viewers, sparking conversations online about the difficult decisions women sometimes have to make during pregnancy. The show has been praised for tackling such sensitive and complex issues with care and authenticity.
Amanda’s portrayal of Lizzy has been widely lauded, with fans and critics commending her for bringing raw emotion and vulnerability to the role. The storyline not only highlights the importance of maternal health but also sheds light on the realities of living with chronic medical conditions and the impact they can have on significant life choices.
Amanda Manku
Support from Co-Stars
Throughout the intense filming process, Amanda credited her co-stars and the Skeem Saam production team for offering support and encouragement. Clement Maosa, who plays Kwaito Seakamela on the show, was particularly instrumental in helping Amanda navigate the emotional demands of the storyline.
“The support of the cast and crew helped me immensely,” Amanda said. “It’s a privilege to work with such a talented and empathetic team.”
A Powerful Performance
Amanda Manku’s performance as Lizzy is a testament to her talent and dedication as an actress. By bringing authenticity to a difficult storyline, she has helped spark important conversations about health, family, and the consequences of life’s choices.
As Skeem Saam continues to explore Lizzy’s journey, audiences are eager to see how the storyline will unfold and what lessons Lizzy—and viewers—will take away from her experience. For Amanda, this challenging yet rewarding role has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on her career and those who watch her.