Lerato Marabe celebrates 15 years of playing Pretty on ‘Skeem Saam’

Posted on May 18, 2026
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PICTURE: LERATO MARABE

South African actress Lerato Marabe is celebrating an incredible milestone after spending 15 years bringing the beloved character Pretty Seakamela to life on Skeem Saam.

Also see:Internet users reflect on 15 years of ‘Skeem Saam’

Lerato, who joined the popular SABC1 soapie as a child actress, has grown up in front of millions of viewers alongside her character. Over the years, Pretty has evolved from a bubbly schoolgirl into one of the show’s most recognisable and emotionally layered characters, earning Lerato praise for her consistency and growth as an actress.

The actress recently reflected on her long-running television journey, expressing gratitude for the support she has received from fans throughout the years. Many viewers took to social media to celebrate the milestone, with some saying they feel like they have “grown up” with Pretty and the rest of the Skeem Saam cast.

Also see: Hungani Ndlovu celebrates Skeem Saam’s record-breaking 4.5 million viewers

Since debuting in 2011, Skeem Saam has become one of South Africa’s most successful and longest-running soapies, consistently attracting millions of viewers with storylines centred around family, relationships, ambition and everyday social issues. Earlier this year, the show reportedly reached over 4.5 million viewers, reinforcing its popularity across generations.

Lerato’s journey on the show has also mirrored her own personal growth. She was very young when she landed the role of Pretty, making the character one of the defining parts of her acting career.

Fans online praised the actress for her longevity in the entertainment industry, noting how rare it is for actors to remain relevant and beloved on a single production for over a decade. Others highlighted how Pretty remains one of the most relatable characters on South African television.

As Skeem Saam continues to dominate local television conversations, Lerato’s 15-year milestone stands as a celebration of dedication, growth and the lasting impact of one of Mzansi’s most-loved soapies.

Also see: Pretty and Lehasa’s Wedding on ‘Skeem Saam’ Leaves SA Emotional

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