This is the village we met in the much talked-about mini-series, Umthunzi We Ntaba, only it’s nine years later. There are still huts, chickens in the streets and donkey carts, but the village has grown. There are now more brick houses than huts, more television aerials, more cars, more people. Many of the people have turned away from planting crops because they had factory jobs, which no longer exist. Some people have found ways to organically adapt to a mix of the traditional and modern life, but for many, traditional beliefs clash with modernity in an uneasy mix that often leaves them dis-empowered.

The intention of this series is to offer compelling viewing that is extremely relevant, not only by exploring issues that deeply affect South African society today, but by using telenovella methodology to actually change the mindsets of people and through this, influence a change in behaviours. Its primary intention is to explore the theme of manhood, and what it means to truly be a man in modern South Africa, the values of manhood take us into the realms of leadership, honour and community. One has to honour oneself and one’s own aspirations – but never at the expense of others, and there are times when a situation calls for a leader to sacrifice his own personal desires for a greater good.

The fight against corruption is at the core of this drama series and the face of this corruption is worn by the mayor, Malusi. He is the one who affects all of our transitional characters through his corrupt practices, from getting Xolani fired when he speaks out against poor safety issues on site, to trying to use Ndoda to give the all clear on his activities to the chief, and affecting the young Lizeka’s life choices by trying to seduce her into a transactional sex relationship. Through making positive choices along their nominated values, the characters finally overcome the forces of corruption. Ndoda and Xolani are reminded of the true value of being a man, someone who is able to be selfless and responsible for the well-being of others, while still being true to himself, and Lizeka overcomes the challenges placed in her way by negative male behaviour that may be seen as ‘masculine or macho’ but is not consistent with the true values of manhood.

In essence… can one man make a difference against the power base of a greedy mayor? Ndoda will have to sacrifice much, and forge a reluctant alliance with his old rival Xolani, in order to win the greater battle, as he discovers what it truly takes to be a man.