Cape Town – Actress Hellen Motsuki is expecting her second child, with the pregnancy coinciding with her character Melita Kgomo’s own journey to motherhood on Skeem Saam.
The actress shared the news publicly on Monday, 19 October, through a pregnancy photoshoot, prompting congratulatory messages from fans and fellow entertainers.
Speaking to The Citizen, Motsuki said the overlap between her personal life and her role on the SABC1 soapie had given her a new perspective on the storyline.
“It’s quite something to have life and work overlap in this way. Melita and I are sharing a beautiful chapter, though we’re each living it in our own way,” she said.
Motsuki said becoming a mother had changed her outlook on life, and she was looking forward to welcoming another child into her family.
“What surprises me most is how much love your heart can hold, and how a tiny person can completely change your priorities!” she said.
“Every pregnancy has its own journey, and this one has reminded me to take things one day at a time.”
The actress said her own experience had helped her relate to some of the emotions Melita faces, while ensuring that she did not confuse her personal circumstances with those of the character.
“My experience helps me connect with some of the emotions and tenderness of pregnancy, while I make sure to honour what Melita is going through as a character. It’s given me an extra layer of empathy for her,” she said.
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According to Sunday World’s interview with Motsuki, the actress has also spoken about the challenges of pregnancy and the importance of drawing on her own experiences without losing sight of Melita’s fictional story.
Motsuki’s character is navigating pregnancy on Skeem Saam, with the storyline exploring the emotional and practical challenges of preparing for a baby.
“The storyline explores the challenges Melita faces while caring for and nurturing the life growing inside her. It’s interesting, emotional, painful, scary-and entertaining,” she said.
She added that the pregnancy had brought Melita and Mr Kgomo closer.
“Pregnancy has a way of bringing people closer, and it has certainly brought Melita and Mr Kgomo closer,” Motsuki said.
Balancing motherhood and her career
Away from the screen, Motsuki said balancing her responsibilities as a mother with her acting career and business interests remained a work in progress.
“Balance is something I’m always working on. You don’t get it right every single day,” she said.
She added that the joy and passion she brings to her different responsibilities help her manage the demands of work and family life.
In a separate interview with TimesLIVE, Motsuki said she and her husband were excited about the pregnancy and looking forward to meeting their baby.
“I’m incredibly happy, excited and grateful. My husband and I have been looking forward to this baby, and the anticipation is such a beautiful feeling,” she told the publication.
She also explained that she discovered she was pregnant while she and her family were in hospital after experiencing food poisoning earlier this year. Her first concern was whether the baby was safe.
Motsuki has kept the expected arrival date private, choosing to enjoy the pregnancy without disclosing every detail of the journey.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
