Veteran actress Florence Masebe will temporarily step into the role of Meikie Maputla on Skeem Saam, it was announced on Wednesday.
It revealed that Harriet Manamela, who has played the role since the award-winning series’ inception on 13 October 2011, was in poor health.
The statement read:
City Press understands that though Manamela is sick, she is still on set shooting and her last scene for the season will air on 5 April. Masebe, who has not started shooting her scenes, will take over the role from 15 May until further notice.
READ: Skeem Saam actress Pebetsi Matlaila dies during childbirth
It is unclear what is ailing Manamela and when she is expected to be back on set. The drama, created and produced by Winnie Serite, will also switch its timeslot from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm starting on 4 March. The announcement was made last month.
The statement added that viewers had been asking for the change, they hoped that this would be an opportunity to expand and reach a larger audience. The show has introduced new faces such as Nyaniso Dzedze, Pholoso Mohlala, Brendan Maphake and Themba Manganyi.
The agreement between the show and Masebe was sealed on Wednesday. SABC1 and the programmes’ publicists told City Press to sent a request for comment to Masebe who was not immediately available for interviews.
Skeem Saam airs on SABC1 at 6.30pm every weekday.
