SABC1’s long-running and popular educational soap opera *Skeem Saam* experienced a significant decline in viewership during September 2024. The soapie, which has been a fan favorite for years, lost over 400,000 viewers within a month. This dip in ratings occurred during a period when the show introduced new characters and shifted its storyline.
Viewership Decline
According to TVSA, *Skeem Saam* enjoyed 4.3 million viewers in August, but this number dropped to 3.9 million by September. Despite the loss in viewers, the soapie remains one of the top three most-watched shows on SABC1. *Generations: The Legacy* holds second place with 4.4 million viewers, while *Uzalo* continues to dominate as the most-watched show with 5.1 million viewers.
The decline in viewers is believed to be linked to the introduction of new characters and a fresh narrative direction, which may not have resonated with the audience as strongly as previous storylines.
Current Storylines and New Characters
In the ongoing storyline, one of *Skeem Saam*’s most notorious characters, Lehasa Maphosa (played by Cedric Fourie), was sentenced to prison. His conviction stems from the murder of Tsietsi, Pretty’s kidnapper, a character portrayed by Pholoso Mohlala. Lehasa’s journey has kept viewers on the edge of their seats, but it may not have been enough to maintain the show’s overall viewership.
Another significant plotline revolves around Tobias “Toby” Maswahla, played by the talented Sicelo Buthelezi. Toby is currently on trial for assaulting his girlfriend, Ntswaki (Lethabo Mekoa). The tension surrounding his trial has contributed to the soapie’s dramatic appeal, yet the introduction of new characters appears to have disrupted the strong connection the audience had with the existing cast.https://x.com/SkeemSaam3/status/1842194209580740686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1842194209580740686%7Ctwgr%5E748d32b63003351602a809a3e2e062cb1e4a53b1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesouthafrican.com%2Fculture%2Fsoapies%2Fsabc1-skeem-saam-lost-400-000-viewers-september%2F
One of the notable new additions to the cast is Lethabo Matsetela, who portrays the role of Pitsi Maputla. In September, the show welcomed a new chapter for the Maputla family as Pitsi’s on-screen parents, Thabo “Tbose” Maputla (Hungani Ndlovu) and Mapitsi Maputla (Mogau Motlhatswi), celebrated the arrival of their newborn baby, Oratile (played by Realeboha Khotle). The family also moved into a new home in season 13, marking a significant shift in their storyline.
Joining them on the show is former *Isibaya* actor Samson Khumalo, who plays the charismatic and outspoken Boikanyo “Bra Boikie” Ramasemola. Bra Boikie, a flamboyant municipal employee, quickly made his mark by assisting half-brothers Kwaito (Clement Maosa) and Tbose in securing a tender. His bold character and interactions with the established cast have added some freshness to the storyline, though it’s unclear whether the audience has fully embraced the new faces.
### Challenges and Moving Forward
The introduction of new characters is a common practice in long-running soap operas, as it helps keep the storylines dynamic and engaging. However, *Skeem Saam* faces the challenge of balancing the fresh narrative arcs with the established characters that viewers have grown to love. As the show progresses, it will need to find ways to recapture the attention of its audience and return to its peak viewership numbers.
For now, despite the loss of viewers, *Skeem Saam* continues to hold a strong position among SABC1’s leading shows. Fans remain hopeful that upcoming episodes will offer the excitement and drama they have come to expect from one of South Africa’s most beloved soap operas.
If you’re a dedicated viewer of *Skeem Saam*, share your thoughts on the current storyline by emailing us or following us on social media for the latest updates.