Skeem Saam actress Harriet Manamela gives a health update and discusses her temporary replacement, Flo Masebe.
HARRIET MANAMELA GRATEFUL TO FLO MASEBE
The legendary actress Harriet Manamela tells Sunday World that she’s recovered from hip surgery and is ready to return to Skeem Saam.
Manamela was temporarily replaced with actress Florence “Flo” Masebe to portray the character of Meike Maputla.
She thanks Masebe for responding to the call of duty when she was asked to step in for her on the educational soapie.
“To my dearest sesi Florence Masebe ‘ngwana Manamela’ as you fondly call me. You responded to the call of duty and did what you know best.
“Being one of SA’s powerful performers, we definitely are looking forward to enjoy your episodes and your strong abilities to bringing characters to life.
“I humble myself before you sis Flo and say ‘Kea leboga sesi. (thank you my sister)’.”
SABC revealed in February that Manamela would be absent from the show due to ill health. Viewers will start seeing Masebe as Meikie from Wednesday, 15 May.
WHY SHE TOOK A BREAK FROM ‘SKEEM SAAM’
TVSA reports that Harriet Manamela was one of the original starring casts in the soapie when it debuted on SABC1 on 13 October 2011.
The publication adds that Manamela became ill during the filming of season 12 and was placed on sick leave for an extended period of time.
Kaya 959 reports that the legendary actress announced on Monday, 6 May that she had hip replacement surgery at the beginning of the year.
“I had a hip replacement surgery beginning of the year hence I was given a break from shooting. Thank you to everyone for wishing me well. Even though there was no clear explanation why I had to be off the screen and production had to find a sit in for me.
“Your support and wishing me well humbles my heart and you all much appreciated. Now that production is on a shooting break it’s more time to enjoy seeing people and catching up.”
SOAPIE FANS WISH HER WELL
@Leefiery: “Speedy recovery to Ausi Harriet. For storyline continuity, they couldn’t have asked for a better person to hold the fort.”
@mmabatho_2: “Amen. Good acteess [sic] she is. We are happy that they chose someone like sis’ Florence; we will stay glued on our TV screens. We wish Sis’ Harriet speedy recovery. May she be covered by the blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord. “
@PrincessSkhu: “Haibo, speedy recovery to Meikie; not sure if this is a good replacement of her character, though.”
@Fulunem: “I wish they could have given Florence her own character in the soapie. Happy to see her back on our screens, though. Speedy recovery to Mme Harriet.”
@glorychakido: “Florence could’ve been a great replacement for Celia. Mara Meiki aowa hle (no ways).”
@Mary_Mamabolo: “@SkeemSaam3 mara what’s with these changes? Why can’t you just say she went away for a while? Visiting or on vacation. You move from catch up, you change time slots, you change Tbose and now this? What’s going on, really?”
@lufunosjavo: “That was not a well thought, you don’t temporarily replace an actor unless you are permanently replacing. Imaging starting to get used to Florence then boom Harriet is back aowa (no).”