Pule Buys makes TV debut with ‘Soul City’ role

Theatre actress Pule Buys made her TV debut in the much-anticipated return of the edutainment TV show Soul City. The reboot is now called Soul City: Let’s Rise and premiered on Sunday, 30 August 2026.

Pule is playing the lead role of Samke in the drama series.

Also see: Legendary South African drama ‘Soul City’ makes SABC1 comeback

A major milestone for Pule Buys

By making her TV debut, the 25-year-old theatre performer has moved from the stage to the big screen. According to Daily Sun, Pule stated that since she graduated from Wits, she has mainly worked in theatre.

Pule also acknowledged and appreciated how big an opportunity it is to have her TV debut be on the “national phenomenon” that is Soul City.

Growing up in the townships in Tshwane, Pule’s new role made it easy for her to connect with Samke’s character due to her own background, Daily Sun reports.

Also see: Soul City makes an iconic return to screens

The significance of Samke’s character

Pule expressed that this new season of Soul City will be relevant to the times, noting that people can expect the show to focus on the issues the younger generation face today. She does have the belief that Samke’s character will divide viewers, but also hopes they offer grace to the young character.

Pule iterated that, as controversial the character may be, she urges viewers to be cognisant that Samke is young, disadvantaged, unprotected, and misguided.

Also see: Kelly Khumalo announced as headliner for Soulful Sundays in KuGompo City