The AmaMpondo Royal House and the Amadiba Crisis Committee have officially distanced themselves from the upcoming drama series Mpondoland, claiming that they were not informed about the project and had no input in its development.
Sunday World reports that Mpondoland, currently being filmed in Gauteng, features an ensemble cast that includes veteran actor Tina Jaxa, among others. Despite the series’ intent to showcase the rich culture and heritage of AmaMpondo, local leaders and the royal family have voiced strong objections regarding the lack of consultation.
The publication further states that representatives from the AmaMpondo Royal family Mbasa Sigcau expressed their disappointment, stating, “The Royal House of AmaMpondo was never contacted about this drama series, we’re not aware of it. We’re even more sceptical because they’re already shooting. And we don’t know how and where they received their information.”
He highlighted scepticism regarding the cast, noting a dominance of non-Mpondo speakers and questioning their ability to authentically speak isiMpondo without sounding like Xhosa speakers.
“We are jealous of our language and culture and we hope they don’t dilute it. I am saying this because the Nguni cultures are very similar but not the same. As such, it is very easy to confuse them if you don’t know the distinction,” Mbasa told Sunday World.
Nonhle Mbuthuma, an AmaMpondo activist and founder of the Amadiba Crisis Committee, expressed her surprise at learning about the Mpondoland drama series. She further stated to the publication her interest in knowing who the researchers and writers are, acknowledging her respect for their work while highlighting a history of negative portrayals of AmaMpondo people as uncultured and illiterate.
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