It appears that Skeem Saam actress Mapitsi, played by Mogau Motlhatswi, is once again the target of social media outrage. After recently creating a brand-new TikTok account in an effort to start fresh and connect with her fans, she was met with a wave of harsh comments—many centered on her character’s storyline involving infidelity with Tbose.
Fans of the popular South African soap opera Skeem Saam seem to be having a hard time separating fiction from reality. In the series, Mapitsi has had a rocky relationship with Tbose, portrayed by Cornet Mamabolo. The two characters have been through numerous ups and downs, and at one point, Mapitsi was accused of cheating on Tbose. Although it’s all just a storyline, some viewers have taken it to heart, using it as fuel for criticism on social media.
When Mapitsi launched her new TikTok account, many expected it to be a platform for fun, creativity, and fan engagement. Instead, the comment section was quickly filled with negative messages. A number of users flooded the platform to bring up the cheating narrative, expressing their disappointment and outrage—even though it’s tied to a fictional show.
One user wrote, “You really cheated on Tbose? We haven’t forgotten.” Another comment read, “We don’t trust you, Mapitsi. Poor Tbose.” Despite being a talented actress just playing her role, Mogau Motlhatswi is receiving personal backlash as if the story were real.
This isn’t the first time an actor has faced this kind of reaction for portraying a controversial character. Social media often blurs the lines between real life and scripted television, leading to instances where actors are held accountable for the actions of the characters they play. While some fans understand the difference, others take their emotions to the extreme.
Mogau has not yet responded publicly to the criticism, and it remains unclear whether she will continue posting on her new TikTok account. Her followers who support her are urging people to remember that she is simply doing her job as an actress and that the storylines in Skeem Saam are scripted for entertainment.
Many fans have come to her defense, encouraging others to separate the actress from her character. One supporter commented, “Guys, this is acting. Mapitsi didn’t cheat—her character did. Let’s not bring hate to real people over fiction.”
The incident raises a broader conversation about the responsibilities of fans on social media and the importance of online kindness. While it’s natural to have strong feelings about beloved TV characters, it’s essential to remember that actors are not their roles.
For now, it’s uncertain whether the negativity will discourage Mogau from engaging further on social platforms. But many are hopeful that she will continue to share her talents both on-screen and online, despite the unnecessary backlash.
