Skeem Saam star Hellen Motsuki is expecting her first child with her husband, sharing the joyful news with fans through a maternity photo shoot posted to Instagram on Monday.
The actress said she and her family are eagerly waiting to welcome their baby, describing the pregnancy as a long-awaited and deeply meaningful moment for her and her husband.
“I’m so happy, excited and thankful,” she said. “My husband and I have been waiting for this baby, and the anticipation is such a wonderful feeling. At times, I feel like going to the top of a mountain and telling the entire world how happy I am. Carrying this little life is both a blessing and a joy, and I thank God every day for it.”
Motsuki learned she was pregnant in unexpected circumstances earlier this year, when she and her family were admitted to hospital after suffering food poisoning.
“The first thing I thought was, ‘Is the baby all right?’” she recalled. “Being told that everything was fine made me incredibly happy.”
She explained that the baby had been planned, making the surprise discovery during a hospital visit all the more unforgettable. “We had been waiting for that moment, so finding out under such unexpected circumstances made it even more memorable. It felt as though God had answered my prayer. I walked out of the hospital on top of the world, with the biggest smile. It is a moment I will cherish forever.”
Although she has publicly revealed that she is expecting, Motsuki is choosing not to disclose how far along she is. For now, she is embracing the experience and looking forward to the day she and her husband finally meet their child.
Her real-life journey into motherhood is also echoing in her work, as Melita Kgomo, the character she plays on Skeem Saam, is pregnant too.
“It has felt like such a lovely alignment between my personal life and my career,” she said. “Melita and I are both going through pregnancy, although our experiences are very different. It is a double blessing to bring some of my own understanding into the role while continuing to respect and tell Melita’s story.”
Still, balancing a demanding acting schedule with pregnancy has not always been simple. Motsuki said her days often begin early, with call times requiring her to be on set at 6am, followed by shoots that can stretch to 12 hours before she returns home to manage other responsibilities.
“It is no joke,” she said. “But I love what I do and I am passionate about my work, and that keeps me going. A whole team is needed to bring a show to life, and I appreciate everyone who helps make it look so beautiful on screen.”
The actress said the production team behind Skeem Saam has been particularly considerate throughout her pregnancy. She praised the crew and cast, including her on-screen family, for helping ensure she feels comfortable and cared for even during intense filming days.
“I’m part of an amazing production, and the Skeem Saam team has been incredibly supportive and understanding,” she said. “Everyone has worked together to make sure I am comfortable, even on challenging shoot days. The cast, crew and my on-screen family have all been wonderful. I have felt surrounded by support, and that has made this time even more special.”
