After a five-year absence, beloved actress Lesego Marakalla has made a much-anticipated return to the hit SABC 1 drama Skeem Saam, stepping back into the role of Rachel Kunutu—a character that fans have missed dearly.
Rachel Kunutu first captured viewers’ hearts as a spirited high school girl with big dreams and an even bigger personality. Her journey throughout the series was anything but ordinary. From navigating the challenges of adolescence to studying medicine, her storyline took a controversial turn when she married the older, manipulative Marothi. Eventually, Rachel left the country under mysterious circumstances, leaving audiences wondering if they would ever see her again.
Now, in a surprising twist, Rachel has reappeared in Turfloop. The producers have hinted that she’s not the same young woman who left years ago. Her return is shrouded in secrecy, with the show teasing major plot developments that promise to shake up the community and rekindle long-standing tensions.
“She’s back. And she’s not the same Rachel you knew,” read a cryptic post on the show’s official social media pages, igniting a storm of excitement among fans. Within hours, social media was flooded with reactions from long-time viewers eager to see how her reappearance will impact the current storyline. The general sentiment? Rachel’s return is the kind of drama they’ve been waiting for.
Lesego Marakalla’s portrayal of Rachel Kunutu has always been a fan favorite, thanks to her ability to bring depth and realism to the character. Her exit in 2020 left a noticeable gap in the show, as Rachel had been central to many of its most memorable plotlines. Marakalla had taken a break from acting to focus on her education and personal development, a decision many fans respected, even as they missed her on screen.
With her re-entry, Skeem Saam is expected to experience a boost in viewership. The show, already popular for its relatable themes and strong storytelling, will likely benefit from the renewed interest surrounding one of its original stars. Viewers are now speculating: What has Rachel been through all these years? What secrets is she bringing back to Turfloop? And what does her return mean for Marothi and other familiar faces?
Catch all the unfolding drama on Skeem Saam, airing weekdays at 19:30 on SABC 1. One thing is clear—Rachel Kunutu is back, and she’s about to stir up more than just nostalgia.