The popular South African soap opera Skeem Saam has sparked intense debate among its viewers following a recent storyline that saw Toby Maswahla (played by Sicelo Buthelezi) sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting his teenage girlfriend, Ntswaki (portrayed by Lethabo Mekoa). This storyline has brought to the forefront discussions about consent and sexual violence, leaving fans divided over whether the punishment fits the crime.
In the episode aired on October 16, Toby’s mother, Evelyn Maswahla (played by Vele Manenje), was left heartbroken as the judge handed down the sentence. The judge emphasized that Ntswaki had been raped, stating, “One party remained active during the sexual act while the other was not. It is clear that Ntswaki was raped.” The show depicted Ntswaki withdrawing her consent before the sexual act, after receiving missed calls from her family, but Toby proceeded without her consent.
This dramatic scene has ignited conversations among *Skeem Saam* fans, with some feeling that Toby’s sentence was justified, while others argue that Ntswaki’s actions—particularly lying about her age—should have been considered when determining his punishment.
### Viewer Reactions: A Divided Audience
Many fans of the show took to social media to share their thoughts on the controversial storyline. One viewer, @Akhona_PQ, commended the show for highlighting the importance of consent, saying, “What did we learn? Consent can be revoked anytime. Toby knew Ntswaki wanted to go home but he coerced her to stay. That is not consent. Ntswaki was not reciprocating in the sexual act. Toby admitted it. That is not consent.”
Other viewers, however, disagreed with the severity of the sentence. Some, like @Modipadi_W, pointed out that Ntswaki had sent Toby a message after the encounter, thanking him and expressing her enjoyment of the act, which they felt contradicted the notion of assault. They argued that Toby had not raped Ntswaki and that the storyline had oversimplified the complexity of consent in this context.
@MissyyyLP echoed these sentiments but also warned about the risks of engaging in sexual activity without knowing the full background of a partner. “This is a sad reality for most people out there. Maybe doing a little research about a person you want to sleep with can keep you out of jail. Even though Ntswaki lied about her age, sleeping with a minor unknowingly is still statutory rape.”https://twitter.com/Ronewa_Mathephe/status/1846616407875690835?s=19
### Education Through Storytelling
Despite the divided opinions, many viewers praised *Skeem Saam* for using its platform to tackle real-life issues, particularly around consent. Twitter user @Ketso28 thanked the show for educating both men and women about the importance of mutual agreement during sexual encounters. “There are rape stories every day; stories of violence & you made it a conversation that needs to be had.”
Another viewer, @Shotgun, emphasized the importance of the show’s message for young men, stating, “It is teaching a lot of gents that taking a girl home with you doesn’t mean she’s consenting to sex, and if she stops, you stop, or you’ll end up in jail.”
### A Lesson on Consent
Ultimately, *Skeem Saam* has delivered a powerful message through Toby and Ntswaki’s storyline. By highlighting that consent can be withdrawn at any moment and must be respected, the show aims to educate its audience on the complexities of relationships and the potential consequences of ignoring these boundaries.https://twitter.com/Theophi31370100/status/1846613340006629576?s=19
While some viewers remain unconvinced about Toby’s guilt, others have acknowledged the critical role that the soap opera plays in sparking conversations about sexual violence and the importance of understanding consent. Whether fans agree with the outcome or not, it is clear that *Skeem Saam* has successfully brought attention to an issue that continues to affect many lives in South Africa and beyond.