Skeem Saam Sparks Conversations on Rape and Consent: A Thought-Provoking Storyline Divides Mzansi.
(The Post News)- SABC1’s popular soapie Skeem Saam has been tackling tough topics, and its current storyline on rape and consent has sparked intense debate across South Africa.
The plot centers around Ntswaki Rathoka (played by Lethabo Mekoa) and Tobias “Toby” Mswahla (played by Sicelo “Seekay” Buthelezi), highlighting the consequences of non-consensual relationships.
In a thought-provoking twist, Toby receives a 15-year prison sentence for violating Ntswaki, underscoring the gravity of his crime.
Seekay Buthelezi shared his thoughts on playing Toby in an interview with Daily Sun: “To be honest, playing Toby felt like a big responsibility… I understood I was doing the Lord’s work.”
Vele Manenje, who plays Evelyn (Toby’s mom), reflected on her experience working on the consent storyline: “I researched consent to understand what we’re conveying to South Africans… We aimed to educate young viewers, but realized the older generation also needed awareness.”
Manenje added, “This storyline taught me valuable lessons beyond consent: a mother’s resilience, love, sacrifices, patience, and pain.”
The storyline has sparked division among South Africans, with some debating whether Toby was the victim or perpetrator.
On TikTok, @Relo commented, “Skeem Saam did a good job educating people about consent… ‘Stop’ means ‘no’ and ‘I have changed my mind’ still means ‘no’.”
However, others like @LeSuPa9999 stated, “Retired Skeem saam viewer with immediate effect.”
Despite the mixed reactions, the storyline aims to educate young people about consent.
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Honestly, seems shame played a big role in educating about consent in this way , some of us didn’t even know about it