Khululeka Siyavota, a democracy education drama with comedy is scheduled for broadcast on SABC2 on Sundays from the 4th of January at 19h00. Although the brand Khululeka was first conceived in 1994 before the first democratic elections in South Africa, this series of Khululeka reflects a whole new group of characters and setting. Khululeka Siyavota, produced by Penguin Films for SABC Education in partnership with the IEC reminds viewers that their vote is their voice and that every vote has the power to make a difference. The Independent Electoral Commission contributed to the civic education content of the script.
Pontsho Maketha, Head of the Public Information and Social Development unit of SABC Education says “every South African will see him or herself in the series. The emphasis of the Khululeka Siyavota is that democracy needs nurturing; it must be looked after by taking responsibility and participating in the elections. The series addresses issues of voter education, voter registration, the secrecy of your vote and emotional readiness around voting.
Set in the Western Cape, the story focuses on the extended Zwane family, their friends and community. The series seeks to encourage the youth to participate in democratic processes by taking a strong human rights approach about individual and group rights as underpinned in our constitution.”
“The cornerstones of democracy underpin the content of the series specifically the right to dignity and equality. We examine issues of accountability and transparency of those holding public office and pay attention to institutions of democracy that support the community” says Pontsho.
The series is part of a larger ID Ur-Self NOW! campaign that went on road shows in five different provinces; Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and North West. Multimedia platforms like radio, print, sms and the web were used to take the message into all corners of South Africa. The campaign urges 16 year-olds to get their ID document to be able to vote in the future and 18 year-olds to register to vote. Actors playing lead roles in Khululeka Siyavota include Patrick Mofokeng, Tina Jaxa, Anelisa Phewa, Akhumzi Jezile, Roxanne Blaise and Keeno-Lee Hector. Other actors include Jodi Balfour and Wayne Harrison.
“Viewers can look forward to engaging with the entertaining Khululeka Siyavota characters every Sunday evening from the 4th of January for 13 weeks” ends Pontsho.
