Shebeen queen Maureen (Vele Manenje, Evelyn since April this year in soapie Skeem Saam, 2013-now, see p22) runs the trendiest tavern in Diepsloot. She’s married to gangster Mgedeza (Mduduzi Mabaso, Suffo in Rhythm City, 2007-now, see p27) and together, they are respected by their community. What more could she want? “A baby,” says Vele. “Maureen has been struggling to conceive. All she wants is a soccer team of kids running around her home,” adds the actress.
After recently experiencing classic pregnancy symptoms – fatigue, nausea, and missing her period – Maureen was certain her prayers had been answered. “She announced the news to Mgedeza, and he shared the excitement,” says Vele, whose character’s happiness is short-lived as her pregnancy test came back negative. Instead of revealing the truth to Mgedeza,…