Actor Clement Maosa, best known for his role as Kwaito Seakamela on Skeem Saam, is currently at the center of an intense and thought-provoking storyline that delves into the challenges of balancing family loyalty and marital responsibilities.
During an interview on Thobela FM on Monday night, Clement (36) and his on-screen wife, Amanda Manku (33), opened up about their characters’ struggles and how cultural influences shape their journey. The conversation shed light on deep-rooted societal expectations, particularly how Kwaito, a traditional Pedi man, finds it difficult to assert himself in his marriage due to the powerful influence his mother has over him.
Navigating Cultural Expectations in Marriage
Clement spoke candidly about how Skeem Saam uses storytelling to reflect real-life social issues, particularly those young men and married couples experience in South African households.
“Skeem Saam is a show that teaches young people and the nation about a lot of social issues. If you grew up in Limpopo, you’d know that you’ll always be a mama’s boy. So, it takes time for some married men to leave their mums and start their lives with their wives. That’s what Kwaito finds himself going through,” he explained.
He emphasized that in many cultures, men grow up with deep respect for their mothers, making it difficult to challenge or disagree with them—even when it affects their marriage.
“We grew up respecting our mums, and it was difficult to tell our parents when they were wrong. Sometimes, it takes time to find a way to address issues with them without feeling disrespectful,” he said.
The actor pointed out that many men struggle to balance their role as husbands while maintaining the bond with their mothers. This internal conflict often leads to tension within the marriage, especially when the wife feels sidelined.
Clement Maosa
Advice to Married Men: Prioritizing Their Wives
Clement used the opportunity to give relationship advice to married men, particularly those struggling with family interference in their marriages. He urged men to take a stand for their relationships and not allow external influences to dictate their household dynamics.
“Men need to learn to stand up for their marriages and their wives. Family is important, but once you’re married, your priority should be your wife. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary for a healthy relationship,” he said.
He also touched on a common societal pressure faced by many married couples—the expectation to have children soon after marriage. Kwaito’s character in Skeem Saam experiences this pressure, as relatives constantly question when he and his wife will have a baby.
Clement Maosa
Clement advised men to avoid pressuring their wives into conceiving, as childbirth is not something that should be rushed or dictated by family expectations.
“Marriage and babies come from God, and we can only dream of having that. If you’ve found someone you love and want to be with, be patient—other things will come later,” he shared.
He further urged men to ignore external pressure from relatives who interfere in their personal lives.
“They should ignore the notice from relatives when they ask them when they’ll be making babies. That doesn’t involve them—it should be between two people in the marriage,” he added.
Amanda Manku on Challenges Married Women Face
Actress Amanda Manku, who plays Kwaito’s wife in the show, also weighed in on the topic, highlighting the struggles many married women go through in their relationships.
While her full comments were not detailed in the interview, it is clear that Skeem Saam continues to showcase real-life relationship dynamics, particularly from the perspective of married women. The show explores how wives often find themselves caught between their husbands and their in-laws, leading to emotional and psychological stress.
Amanda’s character in the show experiences frustration and disappointment as her husband fails to set boundaries with his mother, something that resonates with many women in real life.
Clement Maosa
A Storyline That Resonates with Viewers
Skeem Saam remains one of South Africa’s most influential TV dramas, consistently addressing cultural and societal challenges that many viewers can relate to. By showcasing Kwaito’s struggle to balance family loyalty with his marriage, the show sparks important conversations about how men and women navigate their relationships in the context of cultural expectations.
Clement Maosa’s insights provide a valuable perspective on how men can learn to stand up for their marriages while still respecting their families. His advice to husbands—to prioritize their partners and avoid external pressures—is a message that many South African men and women will appreciate.
As Skeem Saam continues to unfold this compelling storyline, fans are eager to see how Kwaito’s character evolves and whether he will eventually assert his independence in his marriage while still honoring his cultural roots.