Niggies: These are the actors playing the main characters in 1980s
Episode 4 of Niggies begins in 1966, with André (Janru Steenkamp) deciing to join the police to become a detective and investigate the murder of his sister and cousin.
Midway through the episode, the story shifts to 1984. André (Beer Adriaanse) is now a detective, living with his wife, Ria (Kristen Raath), and their two children, Klippe (Emma Nelson) and little André (Neels Clasen Jnr), in Kroonstad.
Kristen, who holds a BSc in Computer Science and is also a talented singer, is known for her roles in 7de Laan, Wyfie and Tydelik Terminaal. Emma and Neels Jnr are both children of actors. Emma is the daughter of Pierre Nelson (best known as Reverend Kassie in Nêrens, Noord-Kaap), while Neels Jnr is the son of Neels Clasen, who plays Henning Nel in Niggies. The series marks eight-year-old Neels Jnr’s TV debut.
Also appearing in the 1984 scenes are Cintaine Schutte as the adult Henda. Jane de Wet stars as Poppie, Henda and André’s cousin. Jana Kruger plays Santjie Schoeman, an SAP employee in Kroonstad. Carel Nel is still At van Wyk, but he has now been promoted to colonel. Wilhelm van der Walt plays Spyker, a corrupt policeman entangled with a drug syndicate.
Other well-known actors set to appear later in the series include Stian Bam (Koek, Waterfront), Wessel Pretorius (Fynskrif, Stiekyt), Daneel van der Walt (Nêrens, Noord-Kaap, Fraksie), Mienke Ehlers (Magda Louw, Wyfie), Melissa Myburgh (Trompoppie, Dinge van ’n kind), Morné Visser (Spoorloos, Dis ek, Anna) and Neels van Jaarsveld (Diepe waters, Fynskrif).
Since the first episode aired, there has been renewed public interest in the real-life case the series is based on, with extensive media coverage about the murder, the 1980s trials that convicted the killers, and where the victims’ families are today. But this does not diminish the tension and emotion still to come in the series. On the contrary, Niggies will give viewers deeper insight into this notorious case and its lasting impact on the families.
“Tonight’s episode deeply moved me,” wrote Elsabé Ras on kykNET’s Facebook page after Episode 3. “While the killers were eventually caught, what about the emotional damage done to the family? How much was torn away from the parents, the sister, the brother, the aunts and uncles?”
“All respect to everyone involved in bringing this story to light. Piece by piece,” added Elize Fourie.
“We read about murders daily but never see the tragedy that unfolds in families afterward. Superb acting and series,” said Bets Ferreira.
Critics are also raving. Leon van Nierop gave the series 10/10 on Maroela Media, calling it “brilliant”. Maryke Roberts wrote on LitNet: “I’m proud of this award-worthy production. It’s pioneering in this genre for South Africa, and in Afrikaans, no less.”
Niggies airs Tuesdays at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv Channel 144) and is available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
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