A local movie that was shot at Mphego village, called “Street Life,” recently aired on SABC1. The producers of the movie hope to shine a spotlight on the harsh realities faced by the urban youth. The film depicts young people who are compelled to navigate the perilous world of drug dealing and criminal activities to survive.

The movie reveals the exploitation and abuse that many vulnerable individuals, especially young people, face in these situations. It also offers a message of hope and resilience, aiming to resonate with viewers and inspire them to seek help and support if they find themselves in similar situations. The movie is scheduled to air again on SABC1 on 1 July from around 12:00 to 13:00.

One of the main characters in the film is Nthuseni Nkhumeleni (21). Her character, known as Londani, was raised by her mother as an orphan. She wanted to further her studies but could not, because of financial constraints. The young girl was later deceived by her uncle, who promised to assist her in furthering her education, but this turned out not to be the case.

“As Londani was desperate for help after passing Grade 12, she found herself working for him to sell drugs and joining sex workers,” explained Nkhumeleni. In the film, Londani gets depressed after being raped by the uncle while she was drunk. “I want young people to accept their home situations without taking alternative ways to make money, such as selling drugs,” she said.

Nakisani Mukande, a 30-year-old actor who plays the role of “Director Nakzile Chief” from Mphego village, said they aimed to spark important conversations about the need for support systems and resources for those struggling with addiction, poverty, and abuse. Mukande started his film-industry journey in 2009 at the age of 15, beginning with shooting comedies by using a mobile phone. He explained that the movie explores the complexities of family dynamics and how surroundings can shape their choices and opportunities.

“Ultimately, our goal with ‘Street Life’ is to leave a lasting impact on viewers, encouraging them to empathise with the struggles of others and to seek positive change in their own communities. As the creator of ‘Street Life,’ I drew inspiration from real-life experiences and stories to craft an authentic and impactful narrative,” he said.