Katlego Sekhu
Actress Vele Manenje has received a great deal of praise following a recent performance on the SABC 1 drama Skeem Saam.
Manenje plays Evelyn in the show, the mother of convicted rape-accused Tobias.
Following a long trial after Ntswaki opened a rape case against him, the judge finally gave his verdict and Tobias was found guilty and sentenced to fifteen years in prison.
Manenje in particular has been applauded by viewers of the show for her portrayal as the mother of the accused and how she conveyed all the mixed emotions on screen.
Reflecting on the performance, the actress shared that when she and Sicelo Buthelezi were called in for briefings, they knew the massive task they were faced with.
“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 explained: “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.”
In conclusion, Manenje took a moment to show gratitude for how their efforts have been received. “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.
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