Overacting or too good? Fans rate Vele Manenje’s acting on ‘Skeem Saam’

Following recent episodes of SABC 1’s Skeem Saam, loyal viewers couldn’t help but engage in a lively discussion on X (formerly Twitter), rating the acting skills of Vele Manenje.

Manenje joined Skeem Saam in April 2021 as Evelyn Maswahla, a dedicated teacher who worked her way up at Turfloop High School and is also a mother of Tobias Maswahla.

VELE MANENJE’S ACTING SKILLS UNPACKED

The first batch of viewers heaped praise on Vele Manenje. They said her delivery in her current storyline, where her character grapples with emotional distress, is brilliant.

They also felt she deserved opportunities in Hollywood, where her career could continue to flourish.

In a clip posted on X by @ShweleNgelosi on 21 October 2026, Manenje can be seen in her element as Evelyn, a performance that truly captured the hearts of viewers.

Give Evelyn her flowers,She can act man😭 #SkeemSaam https://t.co/FApTms7HA1

— Nondaba🇿🇦 (@ShweleNgelosi) October 21, 2026

@ineedtee1: TAKE HER TO HOLLYWOOD!!!

@Real_Precious_M: She nailed this scene; I was in awe the whole time.

@Quentin_za: You can see she’s a theatre actress; that’s where she started.

@leratodezzy: She is a thespian!

@VibingVentures: That’s why she won Best Supporting Actress at the last SAFTAS.

‘UNNECESSARILY DRAMATIC’

The other side of the choir sang a totally different tune. Commenting under a post shared by @HazelKotu on X, netizens acknowledged that Vele is generally a good actress.

However, they claimed her portrayal of Evelyn is a tad dramatic and unnecessarily theatrical.

They argued that her style of acting on Skeem Saam is more suited to theatre than television.

I’m so sorry to say that I don’t enjoy Evelyn’s acting on Skeem Saam.

— Hazel (@hazelkotu) October 25, 2026

@quinton_sir: I also think it’s good for theatre, not telenovela.

@Ralph0logy: Evelyn is an overactor & unnecessarily dramatic. Nothing in #SkeemSaam requires this TECHNIQUE of acting. Save all of this “Shakespearean” skill for theatre. Also, a great actor w/ a theatre background, can carry a great scene on TV, without the theatre theatrics jumping out.

@winterishere61: Ja, I think she’s over the top. Thought I was the only 1 who doesn’t feel her.

@Phoza89: Same here, she overacts and tries too hard.

@nalelisef: Me too. There’s no need to be that dramatic.

@maboss_1: I like what she has done for Mosebjadi, and I wanted her to succeed as a turf high principal, but I am not enjoying her acting lately (It’s just too much).

VELE MANENJE’S BODY TRANSFORMATION

The Venda-born actress has always been open about the storms she has weathered in her life, particularly her weight-loss journey.

In several media interviews, Vele revealed that she was subjected to hurtful comments about her weight loss. The body transformation was inspired by her decision to lead a healthier lifestyle.