Harriet Manamela, born Harriet Lenabe on October 13, 1971, is a celebrated South African actress best known for playing Meikie Maputla in the SABC 1 soap opera Skeem Saam. With a career spanning over 20 years since her 1998 television debut, she has become one of South Africa’s most respected performers across stage, film, and television.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Harriet Lenabe Manamela (also credited as Harriet Lenabe) |
| Date of Birth | October 13, 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Diepkloof, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Province of Origin | Gauteng (Diepkloof/Soweto) |
| Partner | Divorced (married for 6 years, divorced over 20 years ago) |
| Children | Three children (one daughter and one son confirmed; names private) |
| Occupations | Actress (Stage, Film, Television) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $200,000 USD |
Early Life and Education
Harriet Manamela was born on October 13, 1971, in Diepkloof, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa. Her birth name was Harriet Lenabe, and she later took the surname Manamela after marriage.
She completed high school at St. Anthony’s Centre in Boksburg (some records also indicate Madibane High School, 1985–1989) and trained at the Market Theatre Laboratory drama school (1995–1996), earning a Certificate in Drama and Entertainment. Though her father wanted her to study law, she pursued acting from a young age.
Before television, she performed with the Squints Artists Community Theatre Group and the Market Theatre Laboratory in productions like The Virus, Broken Dreams, and toured Sweden with several plays.
Career
Harriet Manamela began her television career in 1998 with appearances in Soul City, Isidingo, Yizo Yizo II, and many other shows.
Her breakthrough came in 2011 when she joined Skeem Saam as Meikie Maputla, debuting on her 40th birthday (October 13, 2011). She played the strong, protective businesswoman until April 5, 2024, when she left the show after health challenges during Season 12 filming.
Her film credits include Hijack Stories (2000), Yesterday (2004), Life Above All (2010) where she won a SAFTA for Best Supporting Actress as Mrs. Tafa, Otelo Burning (2011), Vaya (2016), and The Tokoloshe (2018).
On stage, she has performed in The Necklace, Broken Dreams, Gomorrah!, and Ways of Dying, among others.
Personal Life
Harriet Manamela has been divorced for over 20 years after a six-year marriage. She has three children with her ex-husband, including at least one daughter and one son, though their names remain private.
In 2023, she faced serious health problems during Skeem Saam Season 12 filming that required extended medical leave.
In 2021, she qualified as a sangoma (traditional healer). She keeps her personal life very private and is not married to politician Buti Manamela, as some sources incorrectly claim.
Net Worth
Harriet Manamela’s estimated net worth is approximately $200,000 USD. She makes her living entirely from acting. Her long career of more than 20 years in television, film, and theatre has helped her build this wealth.
Filmography
Films
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Hijack Stories | — |
| 2001 | Dr. Lucille: The Lucille Teasdale Story | — |
| 2004 | Country of My Skull | — |
| 2004 | Yesterday | — |
| 2004 | Hotel Rwanda | — |
| 2008 | Gugu and Andile | Busu Dlamini |
| 2010 | Life Above All | Mrs. Tafa |
| 2011 | Otelo Burning | Mother Christmas |
| 2015 | Avengers: Age of Ultron | Johannesburg Onlooker |
| 2016 | Vaya | Grace |
| 2018 | The Tokoloshe | — |
| 2023 | Mkhize to Masemola | — |
| — | My Other Mother | Lead role |
Television Series
| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Soul City | — | TV series debut |
| — | Isidingo | — | TV series |
| — | Yizo Yizo II | — | TV series |
| — | Justice For All II & III | — | TV series |
| — | Zero Tolerance | — | TV series |
| — | Soul Buddyz | — | TV series |
| — | Behind The Badge | — | TV series |
| 2006 | When We Were Black | Lead | Miniseries |
| — | Intersexions | — | Guest appearance |
| — | Ngempela | — | Guest appearance |
| — | The Wild | — | TV series |
| — | Tjovitjo | — | TV series |
| — | Zone 14 | — | TV series |
| 2013 | Rhythm City | Nomzamo | Alcoholic mother character |
| 2011–2024 | Skeem Saam | Meikie Maputla | Main role, last aired April 5, 2024 |
| — | Swartwater | — | TV series |
Awards and Nominations
- 2012 – SAFTA (South African Film and Television Awards), Best Supporting Actress for Life Above All — Won
- VITA Awards – Best Supporting Actress for Skeem Saam (Meikie Maputla) — Nominated
- 2024 – Royalty Soapie Awards, Outstanding Supporting Actress for Skeem Saam (Meikie Maputla) — Won
