Pula. Rain.
Its meaning and significance across cultures is diverse. In the Sesotho culture, children play Mankokosane in the rain to celebrate pula. “Mankokosane, pula eya na, o/re tla hola neng? … (it is raining, when will you/we grow?…)
Sometimes I feel shy to talk about the power of theatre to change and transform contexts, lives and more. It feels like I am blowing my own horn. The Sesotho expression would caution; “ngwana phakwe se nna o ipolela motho o motle a bolelwa ke ba bang”. Maybe it’s because of the thousands of anecdotes that I carry, to prove my point, so at least I know that it’s not the Dunning-Kruger effect. And so I am elated that I have been granted permission to share the thoughts about the power of theatre by a fellow audience member with whom I witnessed the might of theatre.
Let me give a little bit of context first.
The clouds were gathering, showing signs of rain. The words of Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya poured on my ears and I heard them inviting us to learn why “Maru a pula is a song of happiness”. I drove with my colleagues to Nathaniel Nyaluza Secondary School in Makhanda, full of happiness. Soon I joined an audience of grade 10 learners, and together we witnessed a play that left me with mixed feelings. Happy that someone was creatively looking into making a meaningful pedagogical contribution toward Life Orientation’s topic (development of the self in society). Sad that while the creative response led to the development of a powerful play, Umbhobho, The Red Pipe, the reality was that in making the play, the Writer/Director Siphosethu Mankai had to undertake an extensive research into the issue of some teachers having sexual relationships with learners.
She realised that headlines such as Jeanette Chabalala’s article “More teachers turning into sexual predators,18 May 2023” traced an unspoken behaviour that goes on in schools. She learned from personal testimonies that these teachers wield their power to silence learners. “Who will believe you?” was a common phrase. Luckily, she also learned of reports where the teachers who practiced such a behaviour faced the might of the law.
After the performance of Umbhobho, Siphosethu facilitated a post-performance discussion. She was stern in her words, saying that the behaviour portrayed in the play was “not sexual relationships, but statutory rape”. She evoked criminal law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act 32 of 2007) to clarify this matter. Umbhobho explores the story of fifteen year old Tshepiso and his teacher, Mr Ntleki (in his forties) and what happens between them.
Here is why I mentioned my shyness in the beginning – before I could pen my response to the play, Nosipho Kwinti, from Rhodes University sent me a text expressing that she was still in “awe of the incredible performance I witnessed izolo. The depth of emotion, the precision in every movement, and the raw vulnerability of your performers was simply breath-taking. Each moment unfolded with such intensity that it felt as though I was being pulled deeper into the lived experiences you created”. She said the portrayal of the characters left her reflecting long after the final bow. And added “thank you for an unforgettable experience. It was truly a testament to the power of theatre in moving hearts and minds”.
I just need to mention though that all credit goes to Siphosethu Mankai, an Applied Theatre student, who was moved by the issue of some teachers having sex with learners, and decided to do something about it.
I argue that when the personal turns public and political, we can all grow.
Mankokosane … La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la- it’s raining empathy. Umbhobho, The Red Pipe was performed by an exceptional cast: Mbali Mkhabela and Asamela Chauke. The learners said they found it to be thought-provoking, sad, and scary while a teacher in attendance said the play portrayed reality, and challenged Siphosethu to tour it. We hope that it will take its powerful message to those who need to hear it. Let it rain. Pula!
- Lalu Mokuku is the Chairperson of ASSITEJ South Africa and Vice President of ASSITEJ International, She recently performed her story; Serurubele at the 16th Festival Conference of Drama For Life, themed (Re) Building the table: Arts under (Re) Construction.
- ASSITEJ SA has been exploring the topic of Gender-based violence and abuse through the Girl Power programme funded by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and has been collaborating with Child Protection Fora in 5 provinces to create safer environments for children and young people.
If you need to get help, consider contacting:
- ChildLine on 116 or chat on https://chat.childlinesa.org.za/chat
- Tears Foundation on 010 590 5920
- When children are hurt or molested by teachers, report the incident to the South African Council of Educations on ethics@sace.org.za
