Skeem Saam actress Vele Manenje has reacted to the praises she has received recently due to her outstanding performance in a recent episode of the daily drama.
VIEWERS HEAP PRAISE ON THE ACTRESS
Vele plays the character Evelyn in the daily SABC 1 soap opera, where she is the mother of Tobias “Toby” Maswahla, portrayed by Sicelo Buthelezi. Tobias is accused of rape and has been undergoing trial.
After an extensive trial in which Ntswaki accused Tobias of rape, the judge delivered the verdict, finding Tobias guilty and sentencing him to fifteen years in prison.
Vele’s acting skills and emotional response after the judge sentenced Tobias left viewers of the show reaching for tissues. Viewers were particularly struck by her heartfelt tears and how emotional she was.
The actress’ performance has received widespread acclaim, with many applauding her ability to portray the character as if everything was unfolding in real life.
VELE ON THE BIG TASK
The actress took to Instagram to react to the emotional episode. She said that when she and Sicelo Buthelezi were called for briefings, they were aware of the big task ahead of them.
“To handle this RAPE/CONSENT” issue with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity as possible. At the same time, we are careful with how we approach it to tell this story on behalf of all the parents who have been in this situation and all the men who have suffered the misfortune of not understanding consent,” she wrote.
The actress continued: “We had to interrogate it from a mother-son perspective as a unit and as individuals.
“The response from everyone who has followed up on this particular storyline has been positive and impactful to us and South Africa.”
SKEEM SAAM STORYLINE SPARKS MIXED REACTIONS
The show’s rape storyline has sparked mixed opinions, and the actress mentioned that they portrayed it in the most genuine and respectful manner possible.
“It has not been an easy journey at all, because everyone has their own opinion on such issues or even on how the issue is addressed but the gist of it all is that… WE TOLD THE STORY THE BEST AND MOST HONEST WAY POSSIBLE AND YOU HAVE SEEN OUR HEARTS,” she said.