Skeem Saam’s Pebetsi Matlaila Breaks Down: “I Planned My Death” — Inside Her Heartbreaking Divorce With Rich Politician

Former Skeem Saam star Pebetsi Matlaila has opened her heart in an emotional and deeply personal interview on The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast, sharing her difficult journey through postpartum depression, leaving her wealthy politician husband, and facing homelessness.

Known to millions as Mokgadi Matloga, Pebetsi stepped out of the spotlight in recent years — but her latest revelations have shown the country just how much she was silently battling behind the scenes.

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The teaser for the episode, released on YouTube on Friday, 28 November 2025, has already sparked national conversation about mental health, motherhood, and the hidden struggles behind “picture-perfect” marriages.

“I Was Four Months In… Severely Depressed”

Opening up with heartbreaking honesty, Pebetsi revealed she went through severe postpartum depression after giving birth to her first daughter — but she didn’t recognise the symptoms at the time.

“I was four months in, severely depressed. But I didn’t know then what was wrong with me… Nobody was listening to me. Nobody was understanding me.”

She described feeling trapped, overwhelmed, and unheard — all while navigating conflict with her child’s father.

The actress said giving birth made her realise a painful truth: the marriage she tried so hard to preserve was making her deeply unhappy.

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“I badly wanted it to work. I was reminded that any girl would want to be with him… I tried to live in that illusion. But I woke up one day and said I don’t want to feel like this anymore.”

She added that combining marital unhappiness with postpartum depression felt like she was “drowning every single day.”

“I Planned Everything Out” — Pebetsi Matlaila On Suicidal Thoughts

In one of the interview’s most heart-wrenching moments, Pebetsi admitted she once considered ending her life.

“You can’t explain it in the moment, but now I see that yes — I wanted to kill myself. I felt like my life was over.”

She said she had even mapped out how she would do it.

“I wanted them to feel guilty… ‘We abandoned our child and she ended up in Joburg.’ It was unfair. I acknowledge that now. That’s how hurt I was.”

Her confession left viewers emotional and inspired conversation around the silent suffering many new mothers endure.

Pebetsi previously dominated headlines when it was reported that she was living in a shelter. What many didn’t know was the emotional storm that led her there.

This interview finally gives the full story — one of resilience, rebirth, and choosing life even when the world feels unbearably heavy.

A Message That Could Save Lives

Pebetsi’s courage in sharing her journey is already being applauded across South Africa. Her story is a reminder that mental health struggles don’t discriminate — and that even the strongest among us sometimes need help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a mental health professional or call your nearest crisis helpline immediately. Help is available.

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