Qumbu-born Nceba Hlathini, 40 has created a local film series based on real events concerning the lives of people in rural areas who face societal ills such as the abduction of young girls and livestock theft.
This is the first of many films Hlathini wants to produce as he strongly believes in the power of media to deliver messages.
The film, Tshisa-tshisa, depicts events that occurred in the late 1950s around Qumbu, where cattle theft was out of control, and how the culprits, when apprehended, were burned in their homes.
“That is how conflict among the villagers began. The law was not on their side so they had to do whatever it took to protect their cattle,” Hlathini said.
Hlathini said though they were told these stories as youngsters, they grew up to experience the aftermath of these conflicts.
“Even walking to school was a challenge because we encountered incidents where we saw people being killed and thieves walking around with firearms and weapons that they used to kill cattle owners and anyone who was a threat to them.”
Young girls were abducted, forced into marriage and raped. A substantial number dropped out of school.
“As young boys, there was nothing we could do to protect them and prevent the things from happening to them,” Hlathini said
Many people were killed, with others moving to cities. Many schools became dilapidated and were eventually forced to close.
Though the film is based on Qumbu events, it was shot in Mdantsane due to budgetary constraints.
“We tried our best to find a location that works best for what we are trying to achieve,” Hlathini said.
“The main aim of the film is to reach people, to expose the lives of the helpless and to try to restore the lost dignity of our people.
“Even after all these years, these things are still happening.”
He said he wanted to raise awareness of how some people are forced to leave their homes and not by choice.
He hopes the government can somehow intervene, as some people still live with the trauma from these incidents.
He credits Siyasanga Nqeketo, who assisted in writing the script, Sithembile Nxaso as the director as well as Ludumo Diniso as editor and director.
Hlathini is looking for sponsorship to enable the film to reach greater heights.
The film can be accessed on YouTube.
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