Local drama series Skeem Saam has captivated the hearts of many South Africans, with many viewers wondering about the actors’ real lives and how much they are earning for their roles in this popular soapie.
HOW MUCH DO ‘SKEEM SAAM’ ACTORS EARN?
After the show was introduced in 2011, Skeem Saam has continued to grow to make it one of the most-watched shows in the country. It is said that the actors are paid in accordance with how prominent their role is in the show, how long their service is required, and obviously, their experience. As of recently, ZAlebs have detailed the actor’s salaries that they receive for playing their respective roles:
SHOKI SEBOTSANA TOPS THE LIST
It is said that acting veteran Shoki Sebotsana, who plays Celia Kunutu, are one of the highest-paid actresses on the show and takes home R35 000 to R50 000 monthly.
Harriet Manamela as Meikie Maputla, Dieketseng Mnisi as Ntombi “MaNtuli” Seakamela and Africa Tsoai as John Maputl’s take-home salaries vary between R30 000 to R40 000 per month.
Eric Macheru as Leeto Maputla, Cedric Fourie as Lehasa Maphosa, Lesego Marakalla as Rachel Kunutu, Cornet Mamabolo as Thabo “Tbose” Maputla, Macks Papo as Marothi Maphuthuma and Thabo Mkhabela as Leshole Mabitsela’s salaries range between R20 000 to R30 000 per month while Clement Maosa as Zamokuhle “Kwaito” Seakamela, Masilo Magoro as Charles Kunutu and Patrick Seleka Jr as Katlego “Kat” Pietersen takes home between R20 000 to R25 000 per month.
Supporting actors Nokuzola Mlengana as Sis’ Ouma, Lerato Marabe as Pretty Seakamela and Lerato Marabe as Pretty Seakamela are earning R15 000 to R25 000 per month.
It is believed that Buhle Maseko as Nimrod “Nimza” Kunutu is the lowest paid actor on the show, earning between R12 000 to R20 000 per month.
THE ‘JOURNEY TO MANHOOD’
At the time of the soapie’s release, Vukile Madlala, publicity manager for SABC1 said:
“Skeem Saam is a blend of stories about the journey to manhood. It examines the plight of today’s male children and the tough transformation challenges they face into manhood. The underlying premise for the series is: real men are made, not born. Viewers will laugh, cry, feel and learn. Isn’t that what good stories are all about?”
WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH ‘SKEEM SAAM’
Skeem Saam airs on SABC1 from Mondays to Fridays at 18:30 on DStv Channel 191. If you’re unable to catch the latest episode when it airs, we’ll also publish full episodes shared on the SABC’s YouTube channel. Stick with us, and you’ll never miss a show again.