Matthews Manamela (born 1 November 1978) is a South African actor, dancer, and arts administrator. Many viewers know him for playing the sharp-minded Sergeant Babeile on the long-running Skeem Saam on SABC 1.
Biography: Matthews Manamela 
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Real Name: Matthews Manamela |
Place of Birth: Seshego, Polokwane, Limpopo province |
Date of Birth: 1 November 1978 (Age - 47) |
Occupation: Actor, Dancer, Arts administrator |
Years Active: 2001 - Present |
Marital Status: Married to Maisha Pauline Manamela |
Known For: Skeem Saam |
Nationality: South African |
Early Life and Education
Matthews Oupa Manamela was born in Seshego, Polokwane, in Limpopo province. He was born in a loving home and grew up amongst three siblings. When he was still a teenager, Matthews moved to live with his uncle in Johannesburg in 1991.
He developed interest in acting at young age. Therefore after completing his basic education, he pursued a Diploma in Dramtic and Performing arts to bring more authenticity to his roles.
Career Highlights
Matthews’ career began in 2001 when he starred on SABC2 drama series Ke Nako (a drama about unruly learners in high school) alongside Lebo Pelesane. The two respectively played the role of Majantsha and Zorro. After that Manamela appeared in several drama and theatre plays to build reputation in the acting industry.
In 2019 he was a producer and supporting actor of comedy drama Blessers. On 7 August 2023 Manamela joined Skeem Saam as an actor. His role was to portray Sergeant Babeile, a dedicated detective who balances professional toughness with moments of humanity. He portrayed anti-apartheid activist Chris Hani on a theatre drama “Hani: The Legacy“, a play he helped researched.
Besides acting, he also works as a cultural activist and producer. Furthermore, he has built a respected career in community development and the arts sector. He remains active in “Theatre ko kasi” (theatre in the township) and collaborates with the Alex Theatre Company. He is also the founder of the company Ratema Shuttle Services, a transport company for hire upon request.
Personal Life
Manamela is married to Maisha Pauline Manamela. He often celebrates her on social media.
There are speculations that he is also the brother of legendary actress Harriet Manamela, who is widely known for playing Meikie Maputla on Skeem Saam.
In addition, Manamela actively supports his community through activism and service projects. Recently, he helped elderly residents in Paul Roux fetch water during shortages. [6]
| Year | Title | Role | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Skeem Saam | Sergeant (later Captain) Innocent Babeile | TV Soap Opera |
| 2019 | Blessers | Producer / Supporting Role | Comedy-Drama Film |
| 2001 | Ke Nako | Majantsha | TV Drama |
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