Seen Here: Edwin van der Walt delivers a heartfelt performance as devoted single father Eben Strauss in kykNET’s Beter as Gister, bringing authenticity, vulnerability and hope to a story that explores family, forgiveness and the power of second chances. Photo Credit: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG – A month after its highly anticipated debut, Beter as Gister continues to captivate kykNET audiences with its emotionally rich storytelling, authentic characters and deeply relatable family dynamics. At the heart of the acclaimed drama is actor Edwin van der Walt, whose portrayal of devoted single father Eben Strauss has resonated with viewers across South Africa.
The series explores themes of love, healing, forgiveness and second chances through the life of Eben, who has built a stable life raising his daughter Lilly on his own. However, the unexpected return of Lilly’s mother forces him to confront unresolved emotions and redefine what family truly means.
For Van der Walt, portraying Eben has become far more than simply taking on another acting role—it has been a deeply personal and transformative experience.
A Role That Carries Responsibility
Reflecting on his journey with Beter as Gister, Van der Walt says the role reminded him of the immense responsibility actors carry when telling stories that mirror real-life experiences.
Eben’s journey as a single parent raising a daughter on the autism spectrum required careful preparation and genuine sensitivity.
“Being part of Beter as Gister gave me a renewed sense of responsibility as an actor. I realised someone watching may see their own life—or the life of someone they love—reflected on screen,” he explained.
He believes storytelling becomes truly meaningful when audiences recognise themselves in the characters and their struggles.
“The stories we tell ultimately belong to the people who see themselves in our characters.”
Learning Through Lilly
One of the most rewarding aspects of filming, Van der Walt says, was working alongside young actress Luna Coetzer, who plays Lilly.
Their on-screen father-daughter relationship has become one of the emotional anchors of the series, thanks in part to the genuine chemistry developed behind the scenes.
Working with Coetzer taught him valuable lessons about patience, trust and remaining fully present during every scene.
Rather than trying to control every performance, he says he learned to embrace spontaneity—something that strengthened the authenticity of Eben and Lilly’s relationship.
Seen Here: Award-winning actor Edwin van der Walt says portraying Eben Strauss in Beter as Gister has been one of his most meaningful roles, highlighting the importance of compassion, resilience and honest conversations in modern families. Photo Credit: Supplied
Finding Himself in Eben
Although Van der Walt is not yet a father in real life, he admits there are many aspects of Eben’s personality that resonate with him.
From vulnerability and passion to perfectionism and personal flaws, he believes the character reflects qualities that exist within many people.
He credits writers Corné and René van Rooyen for creating multidimensional characters that feel authentic rather than idealised.
“Beautifully written characters have human qualities everyone can relate to in some way,” he says.
Encouraging Honest Conversations
More than anything, Van der Walt hopes the series inspires meaningful conversations within families and communities.
Rather than delivering a single message, he believes Beter as Gister encourages viewers to speak openly about life’s challenges—even when opinions differ.
He also highlights the importance of embracing joy in parenting, pointing to upcoming scenes that remind adults to reconnect with their inner child.
“When last did we, as grown-ups, put on a costume and have a water-gun fight with our children just to make their day?” he asks.
Storytelling That Resonates
As Beter as Gister continues to build momentum, the series has earned praise for tackling complex emotional themes with honesty, compassion and authenticity.
Through Eben’s journey, viewers are invited to reflect on forgiveness, resilience, family and the courage required to embrace new beginnings.
With compelling performances and heartfelt storytelling, the kykNET drama continues to prove that some of life’s most meaningful lessons come from embracing vulnerability and believing that tomorrow can indeed be better than yesterday.
Viewers who have missed the opening episodes can catch up on DStv Catch Up, while new episodes of Beter as Gister air every Tuesday at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv Channel 144).
