Harriet Manamela has addressed growing speculation about her future on television, setting the record straight after rumours suggested she had exited Skeem Saam following her new role on Isitha: The Enemy.
The veteran actress, best known for her iconic portrayal of Meikie Maputla, recently joined the e.tv drama where she takes on the role of Dorcas—a character that is already capturing the attention of viewers. Her arrival on the show sparked widespread discussion, with many fans questioning whether this marked the end of her long-standing journey on Skeem Saam.
However, Harriet Manamela has dismissed claims that she has permanently left the popular soap, explaining that her role on the show has evolved over time rather than ended entirely.
Harriet Manamela embraces flexibility in her acting career
According to Harriet Manamela, her involvement with Skeem Saam shifted in recent years, allowing her to take on a more flexible working arrangement. She revealed that for the past two years, she has been working as a “call actor” on the show—a status that means she appears when required rather than being part of the full-time cast.
“All I can say about that is, for the past two years, I became a call actor on the show, so I’m back in the freelancing world,” she explained.
This transition has given her the freedom to explore other opportunities and expand her acting portfolio. For an actress of her experience, the ability to move between roles and productions represents both a creative and professional advantage.
Her latest role as Dorcas on Isitha: The Enemy reflects this new chapter in her career. The character, she says, is one that audiences will find both entertaining and relatable—a personality type that exists in many families.
“A character we all have in our families,” she shared. “When she’s around, you get annoyed by her. But when she’s not around, everyone talks about her, and they crack up thinking about what she could be doing.”
This description hints at a dynamic and layered character, one that brings humour and familiarity to the screen. It also demonstrates Manamela’s continued ability to connect with audiences through roles that reflect real-life experiences.
For many fans, her portrayal of Meikie Maputla remains one of the most memorable aspects of Skeem Saam. Over the years, she has brought depth and authenticity to the character, earning widespread recognition and respect within the industry.
As a result, any news suggesting her departure naturally sparked concern among viewers who have followed her journey on the show. Her clarification, however, offers reassurance that she has not closed the door on Skeem Saam entirely.
Instead, her career is entering a more flexible and exploratory phase—one that allows her to take on diverse roles while still maintaining a connection to the show that helped define her legacy.
This shift also reflects broader trends within the entertainment industry, where established actors increasingly seek opportunities beyond long-running roles. By embracing freelance work, performers can diversify their portfolios, challenge themselves creatively, and reach new audiences.
Harriet Manamela’s move highlights the importance of adaptability in a competitive and ever-changing industry. Rather than being confined to a single role, she is choosing to expand her horizons while continuing to honour her existing commitments.
Fans have responded positively to her explanation, expressing excitement about seeing her in new roles while still holding onto the hope of future appearances on Skeem Saam. Her presence on both shows is seen as a testament to her enduring talent and versatility.
As she continues to navigate this new chapter, Harriet Manamela remains a respected figure in South African television—one who has successfully balanced longevity with reinvention.
Ultimately, her message is clear: this is not a goodbye, but rather a transition. By embracing flexibility and new opportunities, she is ensuring that her career continues to evolve while staying connected to the audiences who have supported her לאורך the years.
