In the spirit of commemorating South Africa’ struggle heroes this Heritage month – SABC 1 will broadcast the award-winning, KALUSHI: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu this Sunday, 17 September 2017, at 21h30.
“Tell my people that I love them and that they must continue the fight, my blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom”. Any political activist will relate and reminisce to the day when these words were said. Spoken by a leader of the African National Congress (ANC), a Commander of the UMkhonto We Sizwe (The Spear of the Nation) and the son of the soil, Cde Solomon “kalushi” Mahlangu .
In celebration of the 38th Anniversary of the execution cadre Solomon Mahlangu, earlier this year in March , I was privileged to be among those VIP guest invited by Ster-Kinekor to a special screening KALUSHI, a movie named after Solomon Mahlangu .And i got a chance to have a chat with the leading actor Thabo Rametsi who plays Solomon Mahlangu’s character
This took place at one of few South African prestigious Cinemas, in Sadton Cine Prestige Mall of Africa.
- Thato Mashishi,Myself,Thabiso -leading actor
Mchana I was treated like a VIP,You see mchana in this prestigious cinema uyabona you are allowed to eat proper food ,not just popcorn , bona upon entering the Q&A session we were welcomed with a glass of champagne.It is in this session where we were able to ask ,complement and engage with the cast,producers and directors of Kalushi
The evening was attended by the cast, Comrade Eve, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Honourable Buti Manamela and members of the media.
After watching the movie i was able to understand why should people of South Africa watch it.Watching this movie taught me so much about our history and the role other African neighboring countries played in South Africa.
The cast of the movie includes well-known personalities such as Pearl Thusi, Dr. Gcina Mhlophe and seasoned actors Jafta Mamabolo and Welile Nzunza amongst others.
Two nights prior the screening despite the stiff competition from both the Arab-speaking countries as well as the African Diaspora, Kalushi walked off with the Best Film Award at the Festival. The award was presented to the director of Kalushi, Mandla Dube, by the Egyptian Minister of Arts and Culture. Iyooo!!! You can imagine what how Mr Dube felt when he was on his way to the stage, im sure even his walked changed
On the 5 April the leading cast took it to the Kalushi Official insta account to share with the rest of the world kuthi they were flying to the British Film Institute to commemorate Solomon Mahlangu’s execution anniversary, where the South African High Commissioner to Great Britain will be present.
Read more about Solomon here http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/solomon-kalushi-mahlangu
