Noko Mashilo
Actress and singer Joyce Ledwaba has been a familiar face in South African households for more than a decade through her role as Rakgadi Joyce on Skeem Saam. Behind the strong-willed character is a life marked by survival, loss and perseverance.
Her journey includes surviving stomach cancer, coping with the death of her son and building a career that spans both acting and music.
Despite these challenges, she continues to appear on screen, release music and support community initiatives.
As her Skeem Saam storyline continues to evolve, she said, “My new storyline is very exciting because Joyce is very strict when it comes to her job at the Department of Employment and Labour. People must expect more from her.”
She has portrayed Rakgadi Joyce since 2012 and described the character as a key figure within the Maputla family.
“Rakgadi Joyce loves her brother and his children. John trusts Joyce more than his wife, and that makes her role very important in the family.”
She believes audience loyalty comes from authenticity in her performance.
“My fans love Rakgadi Joyce. That’s why my character is still there, and because of the way I play the role.”
The latest storyline has also challenged her creatively and pushed her to explore new dimensions of the character.
“It is something new for me, but it is exciting because it allows me to explore.”
Ledwaba said there is also a strong connection between her real personality and her on-screen role.
“In real life I am also a straight talker, just like Rakgadi Joyce.”
Reflecting on emotionally demanding scenes, she said portraying a mother who loses a child was particularly close to her own lived experience.
She added that the entertainment industry has taught her resilience and strength in difficult environments.
“It taught me to be strong and to stand up for myself because this industry can be very cruel.”
Music, however, remains her first love. She began her career as a backing vocalist before stepping into her own recording career.
“I started as a backing vocalist for many legendary artists before recording my own single, Modidi wa Matepe. It remains my biggest song even today,” she said.
Balancing both careers requires discipline, something she has refined over time.
“I make time to read my scripts, and I also make time to rehearse my music,” she said.
She is currently promoting new tracks titled Barema and Matome, which she says carry meaningful messages.
Her life took a major turn when she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. She credits her recovery to faith, medical treatment and support from loved ones.
“I trusted God because I was very sick. My family stood by me throughout, and my partner supported me every step of the way. It was a very difficult time because I couldn’t eat anything.”
The experience reshaped her outlook on life.
“It taught me to appreciate good health, prioritise self-care and spend more quality time with the people I love.”
Her advice to others facing illness is simple but firm.
“Listen to your doctors, take your treatment seriously, have faith and trust God.”
She also spoke about the loss of her son, describing it as a pain that never fades.
“The loss of a child is a grief that lasts a lifetime.”
She draws strength from her family and memories of him.
“I remember when he taught me choreography, how we danced together, how he always wanted expensive clothes. We laughed together so much.”
To others facing similar loss, she said, “Be strong and believe in God.”
Beyond entertainment, Ledwaba is actively involved in community work, supporting gender based violence initiatives and assisting schools including Kgatabela Primary School, Leshoba Primary School and Cornelius Masebe School.
“For me, giving back is very important.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to direct her own film project.
“The next chapter is making my own movie.”
She also wants to be remembered for her energy both on stage and screen.
“I want people to remember me through my dance moves and my character on Skeem Saam.”
To young people entering the industry, her advice is straightforward: “Go to school first and stay focused.”
She also addressed misconceptions about her appearance, explaining that her fashion style is personal expression.
“People don’t know that I’m also a singer and a dancer. When I perform, I wear my own style, and some people think I’m a lesbian because of the way I dress. That’s simply how I feel comfortable dressing. I have a male partner.”
Through every chapter of her life, Ledwaba continues to embody resilience, faith and determination.