What does democracy really mean? To what extent do we live in a democratic society and what can we do to contribute to such a system? Not many people know how to get involved in making our democracy work for us, as there is a lack of freely available and easily understood information.
SABC 2’s new show, Democrazy, a four-part documentary tries to educate viewers while entertaining them about the ins and outs of democracy in South Africa. The presenters, Masello Motana and Shimmy Isaac, use their alter egos, successful self-made business woman Lizzy “Special’ Molomo and down-to-earth mechanic Danny Le Kay, respectively, to explore what democracy is and should be.
According to Surekha Singh, commissioning editor at the SABC, Lizzy “Special’ Molomo wants to move into politics with her own party, The Helmet Party of Africa. “It is her way of participating in democracy. Her motto is “if you want to fix something, do it yourself’. Lizzy’s journey of investigation into what makes a successful political party eventually sees her arriving in parliament to prepare for the seat she wants to occupy one day,’ says Singh.
“Danny Le Kay is a man of the people who believes that local is lekker and that change starts in local government. He sets out to find out what makes a good ward councillor and learns more about the challenges facing government at local level. His mission is exploring and sharing how communities can hold their ward councillors responsible and accountable,’ says Singh.
Democrazy will air on four consecutive Sundays on SABC 2, starting on 20 January 2013 at 21h00. The series will also be accompanied by a radio series across SABC public broadcast stations and is produced by Grounded Media.
Zandile Nkonyeni, publicity manager at SABC 2 says that the series shares information about voting trends, habits and systems, the electoral process, the importance of free and fair elections and the internationally recognised commission we have in South Africa.
“Through the series we want to inspire audiences to keep democracy alive and vibrant,’ concludes Nkonyeni.
