In the spirit of commemorating South Africa’ struggle heroes this Heritage month –
the countdown to the OR Tambo Centenary and the life and legacy of Steve Biko 40
years later, SABC 1 will broadcast the award-winning, Kalushi: The Story of
Solomon Mahlangu this Sunday, 17 September 2017, at 21h30.
A first-to-air on television and directed by Mandlakayise Walter Dube, Kalushi
is a true story about a nineteen-year-old hawker, Solomon Mahlangu (played by
Thabo Rametsi) from the streets of Mmamelodi, a ghetto township outside Pretoria in
South Africa. He is brutally beaten by police. Kalushi goes into exile following
the 1976 Soweto uprisings to join the liberation movement. He returns from military
training in Angola en route to their mission, his friend and comrade, Mondi (played by
Thabo Malema), loses control and shoots two innocent people on Goch Street in
Johannesburg. Mondi is severely beaten & tortured and Kalushi is forced to
stand trial under the common purpose doctrine. The state seeks the highest
punishment from the court, DEATH by HANGING. Kalushi has his back against
the wall and uses the courtroom as a final battlefield. His sacrifice immortalises him
into a hero of the struggle and an international icon of 16 June 1976.
“SABC 1 continues to ensure that we reflect our rich history in the most truthful and
authentic ways. The Solomon Mahlangu Story is not only one that resonates well with
the current national mood, but as channel we hope the film will further trigger
impactful platforms of expression while educating South Africans about important
parts of our history,’ says Zandile Nkonyeni, head of PR: SABC TV channels.
To date, Mahlangu’s commitment to South Africa’s freedom remains iconic and the
words uttered on his last day are etched in the memory of the country’s history when
he said: “My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruit of freedom, tell my
people that I love them and they must continue the fight.”
The cast of the movie includes well-known personalities such as Pearl Thusi, Dr. Gcina
Mhlophe and seasoned actors Jafta Mamabolo and Welile Nzunza amongst others.
The film was first released to cinemas nationwide on March 2017 and this would be
the first opportunity for Mzansi’s television viewers to view it!
Catch Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu, on Sunday 17 September
2017 at 21h30.
