Ntswaki from Skeem Saam Biography, Wikipedia, Age, Early Life, Education, Career, Parents, Net Worth, Awards, Recognitions, Instagram

Lethabo Mekoa was born on 14 September 2004 in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, into a supportive family.

Though her parents’ names remain private, it is known that her father hails from Mpumalanga and her mother from Vryburg, and they live in Pretoria, where she was raised.

From a young age, Lethabo displayed a vibrant personality and a love for performance.

She began her education at Ikhwezilethemba Primary School, then continued to Laerskool General Jacques Pienaar, and later attended Prestige College for high school.

At Prestige, she became heavily involved in the arts, excelling in drama, dance, poetry, singing, public speaking, netball, and hockey.

Her talents were widely recognized. In 2022, she won multiple awards at school, including Main Character and Best Female of the Year.

Lethabo’s artistic journey leaped in September 2021 when she participated in the International Arts Talent Showcase, where she won Best Actress and received scholarship offers and callbacks to New York and Los Angeles for advanced acting training.

Despite her initial dream of becoming a doctor, her passion for storytelling led her to pursue acting.

By Grade 7, she had already joined an acting agency, setting the stage for her future success on-screen.

Today, she’s not only a rising star in South African television but also a college student studying psychology, proving that her talents extend beyond the screen into academics and advocacy.

Acting Career

Lethabo Mekoa began her professional acting journey in 2022 when she landed the breakout role of Ntswaki Maputla in the popular South African TV drama Skeem Saam.

Her character, a rebellious, outspoken, and lively teenager, was introduced as Meikie Maputla’s niece, who initially came to Turfloop for a visit but eventually decided to stay and attend school there.

Ntswaki was portrayed as a 15-year-old Grade 9 learner, and her unpredictable behavior quickly captured the attention of audiences across the country.

The role skyrocketed Lethabo into national fame, making her one of the most talked-about young actresses in South Africa.

Her natural talent, charisma, and emotional depth impressed both fans and critics alike.

She handled several intense storylines, including a noteworthy scene involving a classmate getting injured, and a challenging sexual assault arc, which she later described as emotionally and mentally demanding.

Her standout performance earned her significant recognition, including winning the Best Viewer’s Choice Actress award at the 2024 Royalty Awards.

In various interviews, Lethabo expressed that the filming process was more complex than people assume and that it required deep emotional commitment.

Before her Skeem Saam debut, Lethabo had already been active in acting circles, having joined an agency in Grade 7, although she initially didn’t plan on becoming an actress.

Her involvement in the International Arts Talent Showcase in 2021 helped sharpen her skills and expand her network, eventually leading to this life-changing opportunity.

As of 2025, Lethabo has reportedly taken a break from Skeem Saam to focus on her psychology studies, while continuing to explore other creative opportunities in media, pageantry, and storytelling, with dreams of one day becoming a producer and director.

Accolades & Other Passions

Lethabo Mekoa has earned widespread recognition for her talent and versatility at a young age.

Her first major accolade came in September 2021, when she won Best Actress at the International Arts Talent Showcase, securing international scholarship offers and callbacks to training programs in New York and Los Angeles.

This marked the beginning of her ascent in the entertainment industry.

In 2022, while still in high school at Prestige College, Lethabo was honored with three top awards: Main Character, Best Female of the Year, and another for her excellence in the arts.

These achievements highlighted her all-around talent in drama, poetry, public speaking, and leadership.

Her portrayal of Ntswaki in Skeem Saam earned her the Best Viewer’s Choice Actress award at the prestigious 2024 Royalty Soapie Awards, a milestone she celebrated as a testament to her passion, discipline, and consistency in her craft.

Beyond acting, Lethabo thrives in pageantry and fashion. In 2023, she entered and won her very first professional beauty contest, being crowned Miss Teen RGP (Regional Gauteng Province).

She also won additional titles in the contest, including Miss Teen RGP Personality and Public Choice Award.

Lethabo is deeply passionate about mental wellness and uses her platform to advocate for youth empowerment, creative expression, and mental health awareness in the entertainment industry.

She has publicly called for mentorship programs and more inclusive storytelling in South African media.

She also supports local charity programs, enjoys writing, poetry, dancing, and regularly posts uplifting content for young people.

Lethabo refers to herself as a “self-made queen”, and in 2024, she proudly showed off her new braces and her continued support for South African brands through online endorsements and appearances.

Personal Notes

Lethabo Mekoa is more than just a talented actress; she is a grounded, ambitious, and passionate young woman who values growth, authenticity, and purpose.

Raised in Pretoria by parents originally from Mpumalanga and Vryburg, she keeps much of her personal life private but is known for being close to her family, especially her mother, who was the first person she told about landing her Skeem Saam role.

Despite the fame, Lethabo remains humble and focused. She proudly describes herself as a “self-made queen”, a phrase that reflects her journey from local stages to national TV screens.

She’s currently a psychology student and uses her education and platform to promote mental wellness, particularly among youth in the entertainment industry.

Lethabo has stressed the importance of emotional support and mentorship, stating that the industry can be mentally demanding and that young talents deserve nurturing environments.

Although she’s often seen with babies on her social media, Lethabo Mekoa is not a mother; she simply enjoys spending time with children.

She is also not married and has kept details of her romantic life out of the public eye, despite occasional rumors linking her to personalities like Relebohile Mofokeng, none of which have been confirmed.

Known for her minimalist approach to selfies and a strong sense of personal identity, Lethabo has a genuine love for storytelling, community upliftment, and personal development.

She continues to inspire young South Africans with her drive, discipline, and positive influence.