Three months ago, the first episode of a local production, called Majuta, The Passion of Life, was released on YouTube, which turned out to be an instant hit. The producers are currently hard at work filming the second episode, which is due to be released by early April this year.
This drama-packed series, filmed in the Musina area, is a must-watch as it addresses the issues of gangsterism and human trafficking, centring on young boys who abduct young girls and compel them to engage in sex work for monetary compensation.
It tells the story of a young man named Aron Majuta, who joins a criminal gang because of his disadvantaged background and pressure from his girlfriend to maintain a luxurious lifestyle.
The storyline includes multiple languages, such as Tshivenda, Xitsonga, and Sesotho, with IsiZulu and English subtitles. The series was produced by Unity SA Visuals, which was established by Unity Phaswana.
Zwivhuya Sadiki, the director and script writer, who also plays the role of Majuta, said they had received a lot of positive feedback from their supporters. "We are glad that so many people have shown love and are eagerly awaiting the second episode. We keep our viewers glued to our dramas as we present insight and truth about human experiences."
Sadiki said they wanted to teach the young about the hefty cost of instant success and the repercussions of criminal activities. "Many young people assume that joining a gang will shield them from violence at school or in the neighbourhood. Women who experience physical or sexual violence at home may assume that joining a gang will provide them with safety, which is not the case," he said.
Sheron Maluleke, who plays Majuta's girlfriend in the story, said young men were often encouraged to join in gang activities as a consequence of pressure from their relationships. "It's important to love and accept our partners for who they are, not just for the sake of money. My partner made illegal money to fulfil my desire for a luxurious lifestyle, which I achieved by putting pressure on him. However, his criminal actions resulted in his becoming a target of the community and the police," she said.
Viewers can still watch the first episode of Majuta, The Passion of Life on YouTube.