Former ‘Gomora’ and current ‘Skeem Saam’ actor Sicelo ‘Seekay’ Buthelezi faced a troubling encounter with a fan who mistook his TV character for reality. According to ZiMoja, known for his role as Toby, a questionable character on the show, Buthelezi was labeled a rapist by a passionate fan in a Johannesburg filling station.
The fan’s misunderstanding stemmed from Toby’s actions on the show, where he exploited his on-screen girlfriend, Ntswaki, portrayed by Lethabo Mekoa. While Buthelezi’s portrayal is fictional, the fan failed to distinguish between the actor and his character, leading to a distressing confrontation at a Johannesburg filling station.
Upon being greeted with the accusatory remark, “Ey, ke wena rapist ya Skeem Saam?” (You the rapist from Skeem Saam), Buthelezi, although angered, chose to walk away from the situation. A close source revealed that the actor’s restraint was commendable, acknowledging the potential impact on his career and personal brand. Buthelezi’s composed response reflects his maturity and awareness of the fine line between on-screen roles and real-life identity.
In a statement to ZiMoja, Buthelezi declined to address the incident directly but emphasised the separation between his acting role and his personal character. “I don’t want to entertain that incident, but people must know this is just a job and not my personal character,” stated Buthelezi, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between an actor’s portrayal and their true self.
This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of viewers conflating actors with the characters they portray. Buthelezi’s experience underscores the need for fans to recognise the distinction between fictional personas and the individuals behind them, urging a more discerning approach to engaging with entertainment personalities in the digital age.
