Why I’m hooked on ‘Umakoti’
DENNIS PATHER
I stumbled upon a TV series called Umakoti Oyintandokazi completely by chance, and now I am well and truly hooked on it.
The beauty of this relatively new series is that the storyline is based in India, features Bollywood actors in tense and intriguing family dramas, but is dubbed in isiZulu.
And for those unfamiliar with isiZulu, or are still learning the language, no worries - there are subtitles in English.
The idea was born after DStv launched the Zee Zonke platform (on channel 169) about two years ago to foster diversity in television and bridge linguistic barriers.
I'm told some people have now dubbed the new movies Zollywood.
What an enterprising idea!
This is especially so in a country where after decades of strictly enforced racial separation - from cradle to the grave - many South Africans in all communities continue to live and think in silos and struggle to shake off past prejudices and thinking.
Let's face it. It's an uncomfortable and embarrassing truth that after three decades of democracy, many people still harbour a lingering and morbid obsession with race.
They still see life through the prism of race.
I'm not for a moment saying watching a series like Umakoti Oyintandokazi is the silver bullet that will magically transform all South Africans into colour blind non-racialists.
No, nation-building is going to take a lot more time, commitment and hard work as well as a strong political will by our leaders.
Take a step back just a week or so ago when fighting involving pupils at Centenary High in Asherville broke out and we collectively grimaced with shock, pain and concern at the sight of such disturbing and divisive violence.
What we need desperately in South Africa are initiatives that encourage people to accept that we're all in this together and to look at each other not in terms of our race, but as fellow South Africans with common goals and aspirations.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm not an Indian but a South African of Indian descent. My old colleague, Salma Majiet is, like me, a proud South African, not a coloured person. So too is my neighbour Sizwe Nkosana, who hails from a Zulu background, and my pharmacist, Yvette van der Merwe, who is a South African of Afrikaaner stock.
Also important is a greater responsibility on us to speak out against the evil of racism wherever and whenever it raises its ugly head.
In the end, evil only succeeds because far too many people choose to keep quiet even when it stares them in the face.
Finger-licking Indian weddings
Yes, I agree, change has become an imperative in our lives today.
The times have moved on and we have no choice - adapt or you'll get left behind.
Whilst all that might be true, don't you sometimes wish some things never change?
Like Indian weddings, for instance.
Gone are the days when Indian weddings were "welcome-one-and-all" occasions. You didn't need gilt-edged invitation cards to attend. It all just spread by word of mouth and there was always enough food to go around for guests as well as the passing traffic of homeless and indigent people.
I recall one afternoon years back when members of my soccer team, still togged up in our team gear and boots, were walking home after a game at Springfield grounds when a man (a total stranger) at the entrance to the Vedic Hall in Durban's Carlisle Street called out to us: "Hey guys. Wouldn't you like to join us for some lunch to celebrate the wedding of my nephew and his lovely bride? Everyone is welcome!"
Why not?
It was such a delicious, finger-licking meal, simple vegetarian dishes, dhall and soji all served on a banana leaf. We even stayed over for seconds.
Why did things have to change?
Nowadays, many weddings have become stiff, formal, protocol-driven affairs - by invitation only; two per family; no children allowed; formal dress; drinking from car boots strictly prohibited
Heaven forbid the day when we will be asked to collect our invitations from the nearest Computicket with a pricing list.
General seating - R200 each; VIP - R600; and Gold Circle (sitting close to the bride and groom) - R2 000 a couple.
No homeless people or stray footballers allowed.
Stop the world.Take me back to those good old days again, please.
Last stop
Did you see those scenes of absolute jubilation outside the American embassy recently when over 1 500 Afrikaans-speaking people, including many who had slept overnight on the pavement, gathered to hand over a memorandum thanking Donald Trump for his support.
Well, I can tell you not everyone is happy the US president has singled out only Afrikaaners for special refugee status in the US.
So I randomly phoned a few people across the country to find out how they reacted to the news. Here's a sample.
Driemaat, a Koisan leader who's been protesting outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria, said: "This isn't fair, we were the first people here. The Dutchman only came in 1652."
Salie, a Cape Flats taxi driver, was furious.
"I should also qualify. I can praat the taal better than those okes in Orania."
Gertrude, an elderly expat now living in upper Glenashley, was livid.
"Cor, blimey. We crossed the pond to teach those damn Yanks how to speak the Queen's English and we end up getting our backsides kicked. In addition, This is scandalous.“
Dolly, from Phoenix appeared more hopeful than angry: "Hey, you think Modi can put in a good word for us after his visit to the White House? That green card will go so nicely with my turquoise blouse."
Dennis Pather is a retired newspaper editor, author and columnist. Email him at kaydenpather@gmail.com
– From newsroom gofer to award-winning editor, join South African media legend Dennis Pather on a fascinating trip down memory lane in his captivating memoir, Copy Boy. This heart-warming journey takes you inside the newsroom, filled with laughter, hard-earned wisdom, and the power of family. As a special offer, POST readers can now get a copy of Copy Boy for just R100. WhatsApp 078 593 0585 for delivery details or 083 452 2831 for direct collection.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.