The first episode of a new 26-part local drama series called Intsika will go on air on Tuesday 12 April 8.30pm on SABC 1.
The series by Ochre Moving Pictures is set in a small, traditional Xhosa village in the Eastern Cape and tackles South African issues including a young man’s journey to manhood, corruption in society and the conflicts that arise when traditional values come up in a modern, westernised world.
According to a statement by Ochre Media Intsika was developed using character development and messaging models from the “telenovela” methodology that originated in Latin American television soaps and drama productions.
Says executive producer for Ochre Moving Pictures, Patronella Sello: “This series explores issues that deeply affect South African society today, and hopes to actually change the mindsets of people, and through this, influence behavioural change. Although the primary theme is manhood, and what it means to truly be a man in modern South Africa – this journey of discovery takes us into the realms of our role in the community, the meaning of leadership and personal honour.’
The cast features Tazz Ndinga as Ndoda, a young, self centered chartered accountant from Joburg, home for a family ritual; Mac Mathuniwa as Tsibaphi Bulembu, a municipal manager with his own cultural issues; Zizi Peteni as Xolani, a local construction worker grappling with work safety issues caused by corruption; Khayakazi Kula as Lizeka, a beautiful 17 year old with hard choices over pursuing her education or easy money; and Fizile Mpela as Malusi, the corrupt village mayor.
The series is directed by Pieter Grobbelaar who won a SAFTA Award for directing the mini-series Death of A Queen.
