‘Skeem Saam’ Star Joyce Ledwaba Opens Up About Long Her Child and Being Diagnosed With Cancer

• Joyce Ledwaba, actress and musician known as Rakgadi Joyce on Skeem Saam, opens up about her son's passing.
• The Limpopo-born star shared in a recent interview that she was diagnosed with stomach cancer
• Fans of the educational soapie and the actress previously took to her interview to comfort her

Actress and musician Joyce Ledwaba, known as MaJoy, who portrays the character of Rakgadi Joyce on Skeem Saam, has opened up about the loss of her son.

Ledwaba, who stars opposite Meneer Magongwa (played by Putla Sehlapelo), also reveals that she had her only child when she was 18 years old.

The fan-favourite Skeem Saam actress, who previously acted alongside Makgofe Moagi, adds that she dreamt of her son's death before he passed away.

The actress revealed in an interview with Thobela FM on Friday, 8 August 2025, that she was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2009.

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"Before I lost my son, I was sick. I remember my mom was crying and telling everyone that I'm going to die, prepare yourselves. My eyes were yellow, and I threw up everything I was eating.

"I told my mother, I am not going to die. My sister went to get me Nigerian food, which had herbs. It was the only thing that my stomach could tolerate," says the actress.

Ledwaba adds that she refused to wear adult nappies, when her family bought them.

"I was on stage 3 when I was diagnosed with cancer. I was told in 2009 that I have cancer. I got treatment and had chemo therapy," says the star.

The singer adds that her son had been poisoned and stomach cramps before he died. She believes that someone poisoned his cooldrink.

"I was working with my son on school projects before he died. I dreamt of his death the night before. My son could see that something was wrong with me on his last day. He blew me kisses on his last day and told me he loves me," says the actress.

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Skeem Saam fans react to Ledwaba's interview

@KgomotsoNtsoane reacted:

"My super mom. There is never a dull moment with her❤❤❤. She's very loving, smart, and a go-getter."

@lebocavaciousmogatla7272 said:

"She's a bold woman and is a happy woman. We raised children together, and they say we are stupid. God appeared."

@moyahaboshalas commented:

"A very touching story. God be with you, Joyce. I love football with all my heart. It hurts to lose a child especially when shetse (when) and coming away. God bless you 🙏."

@MaripaLegoabe reacted:

"Tjo mane (aunt) Majoy. You are narrating my story. I'm overwhelmed. Starting from being diagnosed with stomach cancer in the colon to losing my baby girl while I was recovering 😭. I don't think I'm healed; it's a struggle every day. But ke leboga Modimo go dilo ka moka. (I thank God for everything). Thanks, mane (aunt) Mankoko, and your guest."

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@MoshimaMoroaswi-l4v commented:

"Ke ya morata (I love) Majoy❤❤. She went through a lot. I enjoyed this podcast; it felt like it was 2 minutes because we are used to podcasts of David Mashabela that last for 4 hours because she has a lot of stories. I wish they spoke about how she got the role of Kholofelo."

Skeem Saam sans stunned by Mahlatsi Moropo’s new look

In more entertainment news, Briefly News previously reported that award-winning Skeem Saam actor Mahlatsi Moropo trended on social media for his latest attire.

Moropo, who portrays the character of Leteswe Kunutu on the SABC1 soapie, had fans questioning his sexuality.

Fans of the actor and the educational soapie took to social media to comment on the actor's new dress code.

Source: Briefly News