Nhlanhla Kunene joins Skeem Saam as Mysterious New Character Amandla

South African actor Nhlanhla Kunene is set to shake things up on the popular SABC 1 drama Skeem Saam. The actor will be joining the long-running series as a brand-new character named Amandla Dubazane.

Kunene will make his first appearance on the show on Monday, 20 April 2026 at 19:30 on SABC 1. His arrival is expected to introduce a tense and intriguing storyline that could change the direction of the series.

The show announced the exciting news in a media statement shared on social media.

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“Skeem Saam raises the stakes this April with the arrival of a character whose presence is as captivating as it is chilling.

Nhlanhla Kunene joins the cast as Amandla Dubazane, a man who looks like he belongs in boardrooms and corner offices. Impeccably dressed in tailored suits and carrying himself with quiet confidence, Amandla exudes success, control and charm. But appearances can be dangerously misleading.”

According to the statement, Amandla’s calm and polished exterior hides a far more complex and unsettling personality.

“Behind the polished exterior, is a man who is calculated, composed and deeply unsettling. Amandla isn’t driven by chaos or emotion. He is precise. Intentional. And perhaps most unnerving of all, disarmingly polite.”

Speaking about his new role, Kunene explained that the character’s quiet nature makes him even more powerful on screen.

“The character of Amanda is very controlled and sure of himself. He’s not loud or over the top, but his presence is always felt. There’s a quiet intensity about him that keeps you watching, and I really enjoyed bringing those layers to life,” says Kunene.

As the storyline develops, viewers will see how Amandla begins interacting with familiar faces in Turfloop. However, his calm approach masks something more dangerous beneath the surface.

“He moves with ease, blending into spaces, while quietly shifting the balance of power. As he begins to intersect with familiar faces, it becomes clear that his intentions are not only serious, they are dangerous.”

Publicity Manager Yvonne Siphuka also teased what audiences can expect from the character.

“Amandla is the kind of character who changes the temperature of every scene he walks into. Viewers should expect tension, suspense and a storyline that will keep them on edge,” says Siphuka.

As his story unfolds on Skeem Saam, one thing becomes clear — Amandla Dubazane is not someone you want to cross.