Matthews Manamela (born 1 November 1978) is a prolific 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 built a strong background in performing arts and became a professional dancer and art administrator. In addition, he pursued a Diploma in Policing to bring more authenticity to his law enforcement roles. [1]
Career Highlights
Since joining Skeem Saam, Manamela has become a fan favourite. He portrays Sergeant Babeile as a dedicated detective who balances professional toughness with moments of humanity. [2]
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 portrayed anti-apartheid activist Chris Hani on a theatre drama “Hani: The Legacy”, a play he helped researched. He remains active in “Theatre ko kasi” (theatre in the township) and collaborates with the Alex Theatre Company. [3]
Apart from his on-screen role, Manamela also serves in the SAPS. Over the years, he has received loyalty medals for more than 30 years of service. Moreover, he earned the Vispol Employee of the Year award for 2022/23. [4]
Personal Life
Manamela is married to Maisha Pauline Manamela. He often celebrates her on social media. [5]
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–Present | Skeem Saam | Sergeant (later Captain) Innocent Babeile | TV Soap Opera |
| 2019 | Blessers | Producer / Supporting Role | Comedy-Drama Film |
| 2001 | Ke Nako | Majantsha | TV Drama |
References |
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| 1. | Sergeant Babeile, Matthews Manamela was born 1 November 1978 – By Mr Rutenga Music on 23 April 2025 | Facebook.com |
| 2. | A pursuit for a serial killer, a budding romance: Skeem Saam’s Matthews Manamela gives the scoop – By Keitumetse Maako on 19 Jun 2023 | Drum Magazine (News24.com) |
| 3. | Theatre ko kasi. What a great show and a beautiful story. Thank to Alex Theatre Company. – Matthews Manamela on 19 Apr 2026 | Facebook.com |
| 4. | ‘Skeem Saam’ Actor Matthews Manamela Grateful for Support From Real Police Officers – By Jessica Gcaba on 5 Mar 2025 | Briefly SA (Briefly.co.za) |
| 5. | Skeem Saam’s Babeile celebrates his wife with a touching message – By Katlego Sekhu | KayaFM (kaya959.co.za) |
| 6. | Are ‘Skeem Saam’s’ Harriet Manamela and Mathews Manamela related? – By Rae Seleme on 19 Jul 2021 | thesouthafrican.com |