Amanda Manku Reflects on Intense ‘Skeem Saam’ Role
A Challenging Role for Amanda Manku
Actress Amanda Manku, best known for her role as Elizabeth “Lizzy” Thobakgale on Skeem Saam, has shared the emotional impact of her latest storyline on the popular SABC1 show. At 33 years old, Manku admitted that portraying Lizzy’s struggle—choosing between her life and her unborn twins—has been one of the toughest performances of her career.
In this gripping storyline, Lizzy is faced with a life-altering decision after doctors inform her that continuing her pregnancy could result in permanent paralysis.
“The current storyline has Elizabeth going through a rollercoaster of emotions,” Amanda explained. “Years ago, she was shot, and now those past injuries have caught up with her. She has spinal cord complications that are affecting her pregnancy, forcing her to decide whether to save her life or continue with the pregnancy despite the risk of disability.”
The Emotional Toll of the Role
The complexity of Lizzy’s situation deeply affected Amanda, who revealed that filming the scenes often left her in tears.
“It’s a very difficult and powerful story,” she said. “This is one of those roles that require deep understanding before even stepping onto the set. Social media is filled with people discussing the storyline because many can relate to the situation—it’s a choice no one wants to make.”
Even after filming ended, Amanda found it hard to detach herself from the emotions of the role.
“Playing Lizzy was incredibly intense,” she admitted. “Even after the director called ‘cut,’ I found myself still crying because it was so heavy. Thankfully, with the support of my co-star Clement Maosa, I was able to bring authenticity to the character.”
Lessons from Lizzy’s Storyline
Beyond the emotional weight, Amanda believes the storyline holds an important message about choices and consequences. She pointed out that Lizzy’s current struggle stems from decisions made years ago, particularly ignoring her mother’s advice.
“Lizzy’s mother warned her about certain things, but she didn’t listen,” Amanda reflected. “Nine years later, she’s facing the consequences of those choices. It’s a reminder that our decisions always have repercussions, whether positive or negative.”
This storyline serves as a lesson for viewers, highlighting the importance of making informed choices and understanding that past actions can shape future outcomes.
Audience Reactions and Representation
Lizzy’s storyline has resonated with audiences, sparking discussions online about the tough choices women sometimes face during pregnancy. Fans have praised Skeem Saam for tackling such a sensitive subject with care and authenticity.
Amanda’s performance has been widely lauded, with many commending her ability to bring raw emotion and vulnerability to the role. The show’s handling of maternal health, chronic medical conditions, and life-altering decisions has been appreciated for shedding light on real-life challenges.
Support from Co-Stars and Production Team
Throughout the demanding filming process, Amanda credited her co-stars and the Skeem Saam production team for their unwavering support. Clement Maosa, who plays Kwaito Seakamela, was particularly instrumental in helping her manage the emotional weight of the role.
“The support of the cast and crew made a huge difference,” she said. “It’s a privilege to work with such a talented and understanding team.”
A Career-Defining Performance
Amanda Manku’s portrayal of Lizzy in Skeem Saam is a testament to her dedication and talent as an actress. By bringing authenticity to this challenging storyline, she has helped ignite important conversations about health, family, and the impact of life’s choices.
As Lizzy’s journey continues to unfold on screen, audiences are eager to see how the story develops and what lessons it will impart. For Amanda, this role has been one of the most demanding yet rewarding experiences of her career, leaving a lasting impact on both her and her viewers.
