Fans of Umhlobo Wenene FM's flagship soapie got to see the radio drama unfold on stage in Grahamstown on Friday 4 October.
Fans of Umhlobo Wenene FM's flagship soapie got to see the radio drama unfold on stage in Grahamstown on Friday 4 October.
To celebrate its 500th episode, the cast of Ithini na le nto? (What does this mean?) performed the milestone episode at the Monument's Guy Butler theatre.
Over 500 local listeners flocked to the event and were thrilled to see the faces behind the voices they know so well.
Show producer Toffy Zitshu said it was a historical event.
"We did what was never done before in the history of South African radio," she said, "The radio drama was portrayed live on stage and directly transmitted live on radio."
The actors delivered an excellent performance without scripts, she said.
After the show, Makana Municipality Technical Services Portfolio Chairperson Councillor Nomhle Gaga took to the stage and thanked the station on behalf of the Mayor.
The function was well attended by representatives from the municipality.
Some may not know it, but Gaga said Umhlobo Wenene actually has its roots here in Grahamstown.
"Grahamstown was once home to this station when it was still known as Radio Xhosa," she explained, "so we have a history and an unshaken bond with this station."
Radio Xhosa was established in Grahamstown in 1960 and moved its base to King William's Town in 1966.
It has since relocated to Port Elizabeth where it rebranded itself as Umhlobo Wenene in 1988.
Gaga jokingly said the people of Grahamstown should have fought to keep the provincial station in the city like it fought to keep the high court from moving to Bhisho.
This was met with cheers and approving sounds from the audience.
Video: Klaudija Antolic
Over the last few years Umhlobo Wenene has prided itself on producing popular dramas.
Among its hits are the spine-chilling horror Ugonondo Omkhulu, Kwa Qhosha Mbombo, Sithini na Kwezi zinto, and Sazela Ndiyeke.
The list wouldn't be complete without mentioning the hard-hitting drama Uhlohl' esakhe (Self-enriching man).
This particular show landed writer Mandla Myeko in hot water with the then Ciskei government.
Former Ciskei president Lennox Sebe accused Myeko of using the drama as a metaphor to ridicule and criticise him and his National Independent Party. Myeko was detained but later released.
Breakfast show host Putco Mafani, who has featured in a number of Umhlobo Wenene's dramas, said, "art often imitates life in a drama series and the show was portraying the true reflection of the society at the time".
Mafani said Uhlohl' esakhe highlighted the injustices of political leaders who abused their power and privilege.
