New Skeem Saam actress Relebogile Mothapo has sparked mixed reactions online following her recent debut on the popular SABC1 soapie. The Limpopo-born rising star, who portrays Jacqui Monama—the teenage daughter of Melita Monama—has quickly become a hot topic on social media as fans question her acting abilities.
Mothapo stepped into the role of 15-year-old Jacqui, acting alongside Thabiso Molokomme, who plays Paxton Kgomo, her on-screen half-brother. While introductions of new characters often come with scrutiny, the criticism this time was louder than usual, with Mothapo’s performance trending soon after her first appearance.
Many viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express dissatisfaction, claiming her portrayal felt forced and unconvincing. A user identified as @FenzoMotau ignited the online debate by bluntly stating that the young actress “can’t act,” adding that South Africa has many talented young performers who could have taken the role. His post drew thousands of reactions and opened the floodgates for further commentary.
Numerous fans shared similar sentiments. Users like @k_mafoko15381 and @mrsnare_j confessed they initially thought they were alone in feeling underwhelmed, while @viwesandiswa flatly labelled her acting “terrible.” Others felt she was overacting, suggesting that although she shows potential, her performance appears exaggerated and lacks depth.
Despite the criticism, some viewers came to Mothapo’s defence. Supporters urged fans to be patient, noting that many actors—especially young ones—start off shaky before improving with time. User @sooVogue_Moya reminded viewers that several actors on Skeem Saam had rough starts yet eventually became fan favourites. Another user wrote that the actress deserves grace as she navigates her early career in one of the country’s most-watched productions.
Amid the discussions about Jacqui’s performance, viewers also reflected on the storyline surrounding Melita Monama. Some felt the character’s strained relationship with her children added emotional weight to Jacqui’s introduction. One user pointed out that Jacqui attending the same school as Paxton meant she witnessed her mother giving attention to her half-brother while seemingly neglecting her biological children—a dynamic that resonated with fans of the show.
As conversations continued online, Mothapo’s name remained trending—not only because of the critiques but also due to her growing visibility on the series. Industry observers note that such reactions are not uncommon for new actors entering established shows, especially those with passionate fanbases.
In related entertainment news, Skeem Saam actress Hellen Motsuki recently amused fans by channeling her character Melita’s bougie personality in a TikTok video during a family gathering. Her playful performance drew praise and laughter, reminding viewers of the show’s strong connection with its audience both on and off screen.
While Mothapo’s Skeem Saam journey has begun with mixed reviews, many viewers believe she has room to grow and may eventually win over sceptics as her role develops. For now, her debut continues to spark lively debate across social media, proving once again how deeply invested South Africans are in their favourite local dramas.
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