Nirvana Nokwe Speaks Out on Co-Star’s Misconduct as ‘Skeem Saam’ Debate Rages

Nirvana Nokwe says her personal boundaries were violated while filming a scene in which her character was being murdered and raped.

In a lengthy social media post, the actress and singer said she was prompted to share her story in the wake of the Skeem Saam storyline which has sparked an online debate about consent.

Nirvana said the incident took place on set during a typical night of filming and she and her unidentified co-star had “extensively discussed” the physical, emotional and psychological boundaries.

She had stated her boundaries were no simulation of the act of rape and that his pelvis not be thrust onto hers. However, just before her close-up shot, he allegedly tried to negotiate otherwise and did as he pleased because he “got carried away”, she said.

“I felt uncomfortable and unsafe due to actions that crossed my personal boundaries. The rape could be implied in a close-up — it was rehearsed that he would push me over the car bonnet, lay on my back to whisper in my ear, then come out of the frame which was on a close-up of my face screaming, and the scene would end there. I had requested to be taken to therapy upon completion of my role,” she wrote.

“It’s unfortunate that my co-star violated physical boundaries, emotional as well as psychological too. We shot many variations of the scene and during close up, in the most vulnerable and compromised position, after my co-star came out of the frame and he took it upon himself to thrust his pelvis into mine.”

Nirvana said she attempted to open a case against her co-star however she was redirected to five different police stations where she was met with understanding by everyone except for her investigation officer who she claims did not understand the definition of sexual assault.

“[My investigation officer] debated that one of the SAPS government websites was “too vague”, that sexual assault only happens ‘by the hands’ to clarify, that definition is all-encompassing.”

Though Nirvana says she feels a sense of relief having shared her story, she was disappointed that the therapy, mediation meetings and written apologies were not followed through with when she raised the matter.