Amanda Manku opens up about challenging ‘Skeem Saam’ storyline! Actress Amanda Manku, best known for her role as Elizabeth “Lizzy” Thobakgale on Skeem Saam, has shared the emotional toll of her current storyline on the popular SABC1 show. Manku, 33, admitted that portraying Lizzy’s harrowing journey of choosing between her life and her unborn twins was one of the most difficult performances of her career.

 

 

 

 

In the storyline, Lizzy’s character faces a heart-wrenching decision after doctors reveal that continuing her pregnancy could lead to permanent paralysis.

“The current storyline has Elizabeth facing a rollercoaster of a ride,” Amanda explained. “Years ago, she was shot, and now this has caught up with her. She’s got spinal cord injuries, leading to complications in her pregnancy and the devastating decision of saving her life or the pregnancy—or even continuing with the pregnancy and facing disability.”

Amanda Manku opens up
Amanda Manku opens up
“It’s a very tricky and powerful story,” she shared. “This is one of those stories that require deep understanding before you even start shooting. Social media shows how many people relate to the story because it’s a situation where no decision feels right. It’s not an easy decision to make.”

The actress added that even after the director called “cut,” she found it difficult to detach from Lizzy’s emotions.

Amanda Manku

“Personally, playing this role was intense, and even when they called cut, I found myself still crying because it was so heavy,” Amanda said. “With the help of my co-star Clement Maosa, I managed to portray the storyline.”