Latest news with #RachelKunutu
The South African
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Lesego Marakalla and Macks Senatla back on Skeem Saam
After a four-year hiatus, Lesego Marakalla is making a triumphant return to SABC 1's flagship drama, Skeem Saam , reprising her iconic role as Rachel Kunutu. Also returning to Skeem Saam is Marothi Maphuthuma, portrayed by Macks Senatla, who plays Rachel Kunutu's estranged husband. After stepping away from Skeem Saam in June 2020 to focus on her studies full-time, Lesego Marakalla is making a much-anticipated return to the show. The actress, who rose to stardom on Skeem Saam , returns to reprise her role as Rachel Kunutu. Fans will be thrilled to know that she has officially started filming for her return. Rachel, hailed as the original 'slay queen' and a trailblazer of the 'soft life' movement, is set to reintroduce intrigue and drama to Turfloop. In the storyline, she previously vanished after embezzling a significant sum from her estranged husband, Marothi Maphuthuma, and orchestrating a scheme to fake her own death. Her unexpected return is poised to stir emotions and prompt questions about her past actions and future intentions. Marakalla expressed her excitement about returning to the show, stating, 'It feels good to be back. It's not only about me but also about my supporters who appreciate my craft. They've been asking me when I will be returning to Skeem Saam , and I'm happy to say that they will see me back on-screen playing Rachel very soon.' But Rachel won't be stirring up drama alone in Turfloop. Joining her as she returns is Marothi, played by Macks Senatle Saga Papo. 'I am very excited to be back, and I look forward to telling more compelling stories,' he said. Rachel will return to screens on June 10, 2025, followed by Marothi on June 13, 2025. Fans can anticipate a compelling narrative as Rachel navigates her complex relationships and the consequences of her past decisions. ARE YOU EXCITED FOR THEIR RETURN? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Prepare for drama: Rachel Kunutu and exciting new characters shine in 'Skeem Saam' season 14
Lesego Marakalla and Macks Papo will be reprising their well-known 'Skeem Saam' roles as Rachel Kunutu and Marothi Maphuthuma, respectively, marking their return to the show. Image: Instagram. Popular SABC1 soapie, "Skeem Saam", is set to captivate audiences once again as it gears up for its exciting 14th season. Since its debut in 2011, the award-winning show has kept viewers on the edge of their seats with its engaging storylines and memorable characters, and the new season promises to deliver even more high-stakes drama and unexpected twists. Speaking about unexpected twists, the show is set to bring back two fan favourites. Lesego Marakalla will reprise her role as Turfloop's slay queen, Rachel Kunutu. This will mark her first appearance since leaving the show five years ago to return to her studies full time. Marakalla's return will not only reintegrate her into the Turfloop's storylines but will also reignite her tumultuous relationship with her estranged husband, Marothi Maphuthuma, played by Macks Senatla, who will also be returning to the popular soapie. Their reconciliation is expected to be a focal point of the season. Marakalla is set to make her dramatic comeback on June 10, while Senatla arrives on June 13. The official announcement on SABC's Instagram account set social media aflame: "The return you didn't see coming. Rachel Kunutu (Lesego Marakalla) and Marothi Maphuthuma (Macks Senatla) are back - and things are about to spiral in Turfloop. #SkeemSaam is set to own prime time this June." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Expressing her excitement in an online interview, Marakalla said, "It feels good to be back. It's not just about me, but also my supporters who appreciate my craft. They've been asking when I'll return to 'Skeem Saam' and I'm happy to say that they'll see me playing Rachel very soon." Fans have taken to social media to express their eagerness for her comeback, with one user, @lebohlale_maphike, commenting, "Can't wait to watch you on our screens again. 😍😍😍🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙏🏿🙏🏿," while another follower, @ministertshepo_m, wrote, "Waiting patiently, my dear bona your star am so inspired." Adding to the excitement is the introduction of Tshepo 'Howza' Mosese, who has been cast as Ghost, a shady, dangerous man with mysterious ties to Rachel. The rapper, actor and presenter will make his debut on June 14. His dynamic presence is expected to bring fresh energy and narrative developments to the show.
News24
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Skeem Saam's Rachel Kunutu is coming back! See highlights from the star
The character of Rachel Kunutu, portrayed by actress Lesego Marakalla, has been etched onto the hearts of South African viewers. Following the exciting news of her return to Skeem Saam, fans of the show have been buzzing with anticipation. Back in Turfloop, the much-loved character is set to appear on screen again. The last time we saw Rachel, she had fled the country after pulling one of her boldest moves of framing her lover, Marothi Maphuthuma (played by Macks Senatla), for her death. In real life, Lesego Marakalla tells DRUM that she stepped away from the spotlight to focus on her studies. But, judging by the overwhelming love she continues to receive online, it's clear she was never forgotten. Let's take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of Rachel Kunutu's most unforgettable moments. 1. Rachel and Marothi: forbidden love Her relationship with Marothi was one of the highlights of Rachel's journey. Despite loud disapproval from the character's family, Rachel pursued a controversial romance with the much older and wealthier man. Her loved ones warned her against him, questioning both his intentions and their age gap, but Rachel was determined to follow her own path. Against all odds, she went on to marry him, stepping into the complex role of being both a wife and a stepmother to his daughter. It was a whirlwind period of transformation for Rachel, marked by love, power struggles and eventually betrayal. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) 2. Rachel Kunutu drugging Marothi After cheating on her with Kaone, Rachel avenged herself through drugging Marothi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) Marothi was unable to process the lengths Rachel had gone to in order to get her revenge. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) Online, fans have been quick to point out Rachel practically 'invented' the now-viral revenge diaries trend on TikTok. Created by TikTok influencer Goitsemang Lekgetlho, the trend features dramatic retellings of real-life revenge stories submitted by people scorned by partners and Rachel's fictional antics fit right in. 3. Rachel's fear of poverty Rachel earned a reputation thanks to her unapologetic love for the finer things in life. Though her roots were firmly planted in Turfloop, she never saw it as her final destination. She dreamed bigger and carried herself like someone destined for more. She made sure everyone knew it too. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) More Skeem Saam past memorable moments View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13)
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Skeem Saam' promises new faces and the return of fan favourites
The show is wrapping up season 13... Rachel Kunutu is set to return to Skeem Saam after a five-year hiatus. Pictures: Twitter/X Skeem Saam is gearing up for a thrilling season 14, with the return of beloved characters alongside exciting new faces. The SABC1 hit soapie has kept audiences hooked since its debut in 2011. Among the fresh additions to the cast is multitalented rapper, actor and presenter Tshepo 'Howza' Mosese, who joins the show as Ghost from 14 June this year. ALSO READ: 'It's time to put everything on the table': The Mommy Club ladies ready for explosive reunion The Return of Turfloop's Slay Queen Making a much-anticipated return is Lesego Marakalla, reprising her role as Rachel Kunutu — Turfloop's original slay queen. After a five-year hiatus, Marakalla will make her first appearance on 10 June. The actress said she is looking forward to returning to the show. 'It feels good to be back. It's not just about me, but also my supporters who appreciate my craft. They've been asking when I'll return to Skeem Saam, and I'm happy to say that they'll see me playing Rachel very soon,' said Marakalla. Rachel's return also reignites the storyline with her estranged husband, Marothi Maphuthuma, played by Macks Senatla. Marothi will return to the show on 13 June, and their reunion is expected to be intense. Fans on social media said they are looking forward to the return of the popular Skeem Saam couple. 'Rachel going back to Skeem Saam has to be one of the most exciting things about the big 2025,' reads one tweet. Rachel going back to skeem saam has to be one of the most exciting things about the big 2025 😭 May 13, 2025 Should I start watching skeem saam again?😭😭 Bc Rachel is such a vibe😭😭😭 — ThatgirlP🧍🏻♀️ (@malebo___) May 15, 2025 NOW READ: Bold and delicious: Big Zuu is redefining food TV
News24
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Skeem Saam icon Lesego Marakalla is back with intrigue, drama and an estranged husband
Skeem Saam viewer favourite Rachel Kunutu (Lesego Marakalla) returns to the much-loved SABC 1 drama next month. Hot on her heels with his on-screen return is her estranged husband, Marothi Maphuthuma (Macks Senatla Saga Papo). Actor and presenter Tshepo 'Howza' Mosese joined the weeknight drama as a shady new character, Ghost, linked to Kunutu's disappearance from Turfloop. Years of begging and pleading with the production team behind SABC 1's much-loved Skeem Saam have finally paid off for avid viewers. This after the public broadcaster announced the long-awaited return of viewer favourite and original slay queen, Rachel Kunutu, portrayed by Lesego Marakalla. Marakalla's troublesome character made an open-ended exit from the weeknight drama in 2020 after nearly a decade on-screen. At the time, the actor's departure was attributed to her returning to school full-time. Farewell 'Dynamite' We will miss you! ❤️ #SkeemSaam Posted by Skeem Saam on Friday, June 19, 2020 In 2020, the award-nominated actor briefly returned to screens in Generations: The Legacy. 'It feels good to be back. It is not only about me, but it is also about my supporters who appreciate my craft,' Marakalla said about her return. 'They have been asking me when I will be returning to Skeem Saam, and I'm happy to say that they will see me back on-screen playing Rachel very soon.' According to the SABC, the true pioneer of the soft life movement will abruptly return to the streets of Turfloop on Tuesday, 10 June. Upon her return, viewers would quickly discover Kunutu might have been mixing with the wrong company, pressuring her to associate with the likes of Lord of the Flies (Archie Nhlapo) and Ghost - a shady new character portrayed by actor and presenter Tshepo 'Howza' Mosese. Marakalla is not the only familiar face returning to the much-loved show. Her estranged businessman husband, Marothi Maphuthuma, portrayed by Macks Papo, who has changed his name to Macks Senatla Saga Papo for cultural and traditional reasons, also makes a comeback next month. 'I am very excited to be back, and I look forward to telling more compelling stories,' Papo said. Expected to debut on Friday, 13 June, uncertainty looms around whether a reconciliation between the couple is on the cards or if revenge was the endgame for his Dynamite, as he fondly referred to Kunutu, after she stole a substantial amount of his wealth and framed him for her death before her disappearance.
