‘I’ve been an addict’: Skeem Saam actress Pebetsi Matlaila opened up about her childhood

Hey there, friends! Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s both heavy and incredibly important, especially in our current world: the impact of growing up with a parent struggling with substance addiction. Recently, former Skeem Saam actress and author Pebetsi Matlaila opened up about her experiences in an interview on the Varied Views podcast, and her story is one that resonates with many.

Pebetsi, known for her role as Mokgadi Matloga-Maputla on the popular SABC 1 soapie, shared some deeply personal insights about her father, who has battled alcoholism and abuse. It’s a conversation that many families face but often remain silent about. When she first publicly acknowledged her father’s addiction, she faced backlash from relatives who thought she was being disrespectful. “I got phone calls from my aunts asking why I would say that in a public space,” she recalled. It’s a reminder of how stigma can silence voices that need to be heard.

What struck me most was Pebetsi’s understanding of addiction. She said, “I know what it’s like to be a parent and carry a lot on your shoulders, and substances are the only things that can help you escape.” It’s a powerful statement that highlights the cycle of addiction and the pain that often accompanies it. Pebetsi has also faced her own battles with addiction, which gives her a unique perspective on her father’s struggles. “I’ve been where my dad is,” she admitted, emphasizing the challenges of coping with childhood trauma while navigating adulthood as a single parent of two children with different fathers.

This honesty is refreshing and necessary. It’s not about shaming her father or painting him in a negative light; it’s about understanding and breaking the cycle. Pebetsi’s journey illustrates how complex these relationships can be, filled with love, pain, and the desire for healing. “When I told the world my dad is an alcoholic and an abuser, I wasn’t trying to shame him or trying to paint him with a dark cloud,” she explained. Instead, she aims to shed light on a reality that many people face but few are willing to discuss openly.

For fans of Skeem Saam, Pebetsi’s character Mokgadi was a single mother and journalist who faced her own set of challenges, including a tumultuous relationship with her husband Leeto. The parallels between her on-screen life and real life are striking, making her story even more relatable. After taking a break from acting, she returned to radio and even penned a book titled A Decade In My Lifetime, showcasing her journey and resilience.

Pebetsi Matlaila is not just an actress; she’s a voice for many who have felt the weight of addiction in their families. Her willingness to share her story encourages others to speak out and seek help, breaking the cycle of silence that often surrounds these issues. It’s a reminder that while the journey may be tough, it’s also one filled with hope and the possibility of healing.

So, let’s raise our glasses (or mugs of coffee) to Pebetsi for her courage and for reminding us that it’s okay to talk about our struggles. After all, sharing our stories can be the first step toward understanding and healing. Cheers!