Actress Vele Manenje portrays the "Skeem Saam" character of the Deputy Principal of Turf High, Evelyn Maswahla.
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Actress Vele Manenje’s portrayal of the deputy principal of "Skeem Saam" Evelyn Maswahla leaves viewers hooked with each episode of the long-running educational soap opera.
It’s evident on screen that Manenje relishes bringing Evelyn to life. Speaking to IOL, the actress says the character is a joy to play because she feels deeply familiar.
“I approach her by grounding her in truth. She’s loving, but she’s also human, with pride, ambition and moments of insecurity. I spend time understanding why she reacts the way she does, especially in her competitive moments with Alfred,” explained Manenje.
The character of Evelyn is loving and caring, yet also competitive, as evidenced in her dynamic with principal Alfred. Viewers have gotten to see different sides of the character, a mother and an ambitious woman, and have been able to connect with her.
“Once I understand her motivations, the rest flows naturally. I think viewers connect with Evelyn because she tries her best, even when she gets it wrong, and that honesty makes her relatable,” said Manenje.
Viewers have also gotten to see a different side to Evelyn through her bond with high schooler Mosebjadi, portrayed by actress Zizo Sobutyu. What started as a teacher offering a student a place to stay during holiday extra lessons has grown into a strong bond between the two.
Having lost her son to prison, one might think Evelyn is looking to Mosebjadi as a replacement child, but Manenje explains that it’s far from that.
“I don’t think Evelyn is looking for a replacement child. Rather, her maternal instinct has matured. With Mosebjadi, it’s about mentorship, care, and seeing potential in someone who needs guidance. Evelyn recognises herself in Mosebjadi’s hunger to succeed, and instead of competing, she chooses to nurture. That choice speaks to her growth as a woman and as a mother.”
Viewers have seen Evelyn’s impact on Mosebjadi’s development at school and as a young woman. Evelyn often reminds her that the world is her oyster and that she can achieve anything she sets her sights on.
“The relationship between Evelyn and Mosebjadi shows how powerful it can be when women support each other instead of viewing one another as threats. Both of them grow through that connection.”
Manenje added that stories highlighting the value of mentorship for girls reflect the kind of society we should be building.
“One where young girls are guided, protected and empowered by those who came before them. Mentorship isn’t just about teaching skills, it’s about shaping confidence, values and self-belief, and that’s something worth normalising on screen.”
Evelyn’s maternal arc faced its biggest challenge last year when it explored the emotions of a mother whose son was accused of rape.
“Evelyn’s journey as a mother has been one of the most challenging and emotional storylines to explore,” expressed Manenje.
The storyline tackled the sensitive topic of consent and rape, with audiences watching Evelyn fight tooth and nail in defence of her son until he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape of his girlfriend, Ntswaki Rathoka (Lethabo Mekoa).
Manenje explained that Evelyn started from a place of fierce protection, almost blinding love, and was later forced to confront the reality of her son’s actions from the perspective of those he hurt.
“Right now, Evelyn is in a space of reflection and accountability. She still loves Thobi deeply, but she understands that love doesn’t mean excusing wrongdoing.”
Manenje hopes that through Evelyn’s parenting storyline, viewers take away the lesson that true parenting requires the courage to hold your child accountable while still offering love and guidance.
“It’s not an easy balance, but it’s a necessary one.”
IOL