SOUTH AFRICA
| Television
Zola tackles the issue of paternity in SA on Utatakho Gelman comments: “The main theme is about the factual question of paternity. Our subject writes into the show because they are unsure if a certain person is in fact their child or father.” Using in-depth interviews, the series – directed by Thulani Masuka and Moabi Maseko – will uncover the reservations, hopes and doubts of each person involved, exposing exactly how the question of paternity is negatively affecting them. Thereafter, a DNA test is conducted and the final results are delivered, facilitated by a psychologist. Cinematographer Thulani Kuzwayo shot Utatakho using Panasonic’s HPX3700 and HPX3000 cameras. Maseko explains that the approach he took when shooting the series was to create a look and feel in line with the hard-hitting content of the show. “The look and feel that we are trying to achieve on this show is one which does not look clean and crisp as is the case with glossy versions of ‘Reality TV’,” he says. “What we are striving for is to shoot and light this show as though each scene were a scene from a drama series. We opted for a low-key lighting scheme and we are always trying to control the lighting as much as we can, to achieve this high contrast/low-key lighting, which enhances the character’s narrative.”
Notorious US television talk shows such as The Jerry Springer Show and The Ricki Lake Show have long dealt with the controversial topic of paternity. Now South Africa has its very own reality TV series – one that possesses a lot more tact and better judgement – that focuses on the issue of paternity in the country.
I
n 2013, the South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR) reported that 67 per cent of South African children are raised in a single-parent home. Of the 67 per cent, 39 per cent of children live with their mothers, four per cent live with their fathers, eight per cent reside with an extended family member, 0.5 per cent are raised in child-headed households and the remaining 15.5 per cent live with non-biological parents or in care centres. Furthermore, the research indicates that the bulk of urban single parents are black females between the ages of 25 and 34. It is clear that the concept of the nuclear family is not ‘the norm’ in SA, moreover paternal absence is at an all-time high, and with the question of paternity determining many rites of passage in the African context; Mzansi Magic’s Utatakho seeks to highlight a prominent social issue that affects the majority of South Africans.
Connect Channel (PTY) LTD Produced by Mpho Legane, the 13-part series – which premiered on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) on 7 July at 19h30 – is the brainchild of the production company Connect TV. Executive producer Kopano Gelman explains: “The concept originated internally within the production house and was pitched to the channel. The channel really liked the concept… We understood the fact that the average South African has dealt with the issue of an absent father, either directly or indirectly. The show seeks to answer the question of paternity to allow the subject to carry on with their lives in a more positive direction.” Gelman says that after the initial pitch
Closure
HIGHLIGHTING A SOCIAL ISSUE: Utatakho host Bonginkosi ‘Zola’ Dlamini
by Connect TV, Mzansi Magic further developed the concept before commencing pre-production. “The concept was pitched to the channel and we developed the idea further. The concept was then developed into a format by a specialised format producer. We then went into pre-production when we selected a host and established a ‘look and feel’ for the show. Once this was signed off by all parties, we went into production,” she explains.
Zola Utatakho is hosted by South African Kwaito musician, actor and presenter Bonginkosi ‘Zola’ Dlamini who, in the series, takes on the roles of mediator and investigator. Dlamini was a natural fit as host of the show as he was previously involved in a very public maintenance debacle with the mother of his own children, allowing him to exercise some empathy towards the show’s subjects.
Commenting on the series, Dlamini says: “I really wanted to be involved in this particular programme because it tackles a subject that is very relevant to many South Africans, and very close to my own heart. I want people to see that they can engage; that there can be a powerful positive outcome to years of questions, that using a combination of science and respect, we can have meaningful conversations about paternity, family, future. I think audiences will be inspired and moved by the stories that are told on this show.”
The format Mzansi Magic launched a ‘call to action’, asking South Africans to write in explaining their personal story regarding fatherlessness. A single, 24-minute episode of Utatakho uncovers one person’s story and seeks to answer one of two questions: Is this my father? Or, is this my child?
Mzansi Magic, in a statement released prior to the series premiere, stated that it is important for audiences to note that the series was not designed to deal with the topics of maintenance and fiscal arrangements for child rearing, but more “to give closure to those who simply want to know how and if they are related to each other.” In an open letter, released by Mzansi Magic, Utatakho host Dlamini appealed to audiences to approach the show with an open mind and heart: “…to everyone who is going to watch I ask only this – please know that this isn’t a Hollywood movie – it’s real life and it’s hard. Some people have made bad decisions; some people have made the best decisions they could at the time.” “I must admit that doing this show I’ve had many frustrating moments as well. We can’t help everyone and some roads lead nowhere. On those days, the crew and I, we are just as disappointed… But then there are the days when we see reconciliation or at least the start of a new positive relationship. And on those days Mzansi, Utatakho shows what we all should know – that hope for the future is something we should all have.” – Chanelle Ellaya September 2015 | SCREENAFRICA | 37