‘I Didn’t Expect It to Be This Hard’: Skeem Saam’s Mapitsi on Becoming a Mom

Mogau Motlhatswi-Keebine made a name for herself when she landed the role of Mapitsi Maputla on SABC1’s hit soapie Skeem Saam during its debut season. Over the years, viewers have watched her grow, moving from youthful storylines to portraying a strong, determined woman.

In this interview, Mogau opens up to BabyYumYum about how motherhood shapes her daily life, how marriage strengthens her journey and how she continues to balance her acting career with family.

What has this season of life been like for you as a mother and an actress?

Life has been beautiful. I love being a mom and I love being able to play a go-getter like Mapitsi Maputla. I’m truly blessed.

Since becoming a mom, what has been the most beautiful part of your journey so far?

Watching my daughter grow and finally seeing her personality develop has been the most beautiful part. I enjoy watching my husband embrace fatherhood and seeing my parents step into their roles as grandparents.

What’s one thing about motherhood that has surprised you most suddenly?

It is hard not to give my child everything she wants. I expected to have to refuse her some things, but I did not expect it to be this hard. I have always wanted to make my baby happy, but I know that giving her everything she asks for on demand could ultimately do her more harm than good.

How has your support system shown itself to you during this chapter of your life?

I have had an excellent support system. My parents are a godsend and the rest of the family plays their part beautifully.

How has marriage been for you and what do you enjoy most about your partnership?

Marriage has been an incredible journey. There are ups and downs, but nothing beats knowing that you chose someone who chose you too, every day, even when it gets difficult. I chose well.

Your name tells a story, from Motlhatswi to Keebine. How would you describe that journey in your own words?

Simply put. It’s a journey to start something new with someone I chose to do life with. It’s exciting and an honour to be part of the loving Keebine family and I will forever be grateful to the Motlhatswi family for shaping who I am today.

What assumptions do people tend to make about your personal life that are not accurate?

Some people assume that I have two kids, but in reality, this is my first baby. I look forward to the day when I can say I have more than one child, though that will only be in the far future.

What’s the biggest misconception about you online that you’d love to clear up?

That loving and embracing where you come from, especially if it happens to be a rural area, means that I am struggling. I’ll always want more money, but I definitely wouldn’t say I’m struggling.

How do you handle public curiosity about your relationship and private life?

I give what I can and keep the rest to myself.

Do you ever feel pressured to explain or protect your private life from public assumptions?

No. I mostly let people believe what they want to believe.

Do you feel like people have allowed you to evolve, or do they still hold onto who you used to be?

I don’t think they know enough about who I used to be to hold on to anything substantial, so they have no choice but to accept who I have become and continue to become.

Has becoming a mother changed the way you approach your role in Skeem Saam?

It has made me relate more to Mapitsi’s protective side. When she says, ‘I dare anyone to try to take my kids away from me,’ I feel that strongly.

What is something about your character that viewers often misinterpret?

Some viewers think Mapitsi is rude. Yes, she can push it a little sometimes, but more often she is simply brave enough to voice her views and stand up for what she believes in.

What has been the most heartwarming fan interaction you’ve had since becoming a mom?

I love meeting moms who have children around the same age as mine. There is always so much to compare notes on and share.

What is something fans do when they meet you that still surprises you?

I still meet fans who talk about Mapitsi’s teenage pregnancy storyline and how far she has come. It gives them so much hope for the future. I feel proud to show people who made mistakes in their youth that their lives can still turn out to be amazing.

If you could go back to yourself just before motherhood, what would you tell her now?

I would tell her to start practising certain habits immediately so they are already mastered by the time motherhood begins. Self‑care is one of them.

What is one thing about your life right now that people would be surprised to learn?

Many people would be surprised to learn that I am a certified life coach and I plan to grow in the field as much as I can in the near future.

What is one boundary you have set in your personal life that has changed everything for you?

Not giving people who are not consistent access to my time. I am very intentional about how I spend my time and energy.

People often feel like they know you. What is the biggest misconception about your life that you want to set straight?

I am an actor, not a celebrity. I do not subscribe to the lifestyle celebrities are expected to portray. I choose to stay in my own lane.

You once spoke about wanting more children. Has your perspective on growing your family changed since then?

No, having one or maybe even two more children is still a dream of mine. At the same time, I am enjoying the quality time with my baby and I do not miss morning sickness!