Skeem Saam’ first premiered on SABC1 in 2011 and is one of the most-followed telenovelas in South Africa. Here’s how much the actors earn:
Skeem Saam is South Africa’s most-watched soap opera, after Generations: Legacy, Scandal, and Uzalo. The show is an educational soap opera that debuted on SABC1 in 2011.
After the show was introduced in 2011, Skeem Saam has continued to grow to make it one of the most-watched shows in the country. It is said that the actors are paid in accordance with how prominent their role is in the show, how long their service is required, and obviously, their experience.
Skeem Saam, like other SABC productions, is a low-budget show with low salaries while being dominated by veteran actors like Koko Mantsha, John Maputla, and Mary Matloga.
Eric Macheru as Leeto Maputla, Cedric Fourie as Lehasa Maphosa, Lesego Marakalla as Rachel Kunutu, Cornet Mamabolo as Thabo “Tbose” Maputla, Macks Papo as Marothi Maphuthuma and Thabo Mkhabela as Leshole Mabitsela’s salaries range between R20 000 to R30 000 per month while Clement Maosa as Zamokuhle “Kwaito” Seakamela, Masilo Magoro as Charles Kunutu and Patrick Seleka Jr as Katlego “Kat” Pietersen takes home between R20 000 to R25 000 per month.
Supporting actors Nokuzola Mlengana as Sis’ Ouma, Lerato Marabe as Pretty Seakamela and Lerato Marabe as Pretty Seakamela are earning R15 000 to R25 000 per month.
Nimrod is the least paid actor on the show, with a monthly salary of between R12 000 and R20,000 per month.Supporting actors take home between R1,500 and R6,000 per call.
At the time of the soapie’s release, Vukile Madlala, publicity manager for SABC1 said:
“Skeem Saam is a blend of stories about the journey to manhood. It examines the plight of today’s male children and the tough transformation challenges they face into manhood. The underlying premise for the series is: real men are made, not born. Viewers will laugh, cry, feel and learn. Isn’t that what good stories are all about?”
Skeem Saam airs on SABC1 from Mondays to Fridays at 18:30 on DStv Channel 191.
