Sarafina! A struggle against forgetting echoes the legacy of youth activism in SA

Noxolo Dlamini stands tall as Sarafina in the revival of the Broadway-renowned production. Picture: Joburg Theatre.

As South Africa commemorates the Youth Month, the spirit of resistance against oppression is vibrantly echoed in the revival of the acclaimed musical, Sarafina!, currently captivating audiences for a two-week run at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein. This powerful production, aligned with the remembrance of the “June 16, 1976” uprising, serves as a resounding reminder of the courage and sacrifices made by young people in the struggle against apartheid.

Encouraged by the words of Czech-French novelist Milan Kundera, “The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting,” the production not only reflects on a painful past but also implicates a new generation to be conscious of the legacies left behind. In a nation still grappling with the effects of its history, Sarafina! invites theatre-goers to remember the stories of those who faced unimaginable odds for their liberation.

Noxolo Dlamini is imposing as Sarafina who endured torture by apartheid police and took up arms against the regime. Picture: Joburg Theatre

Set against the backdrop of Morris Isaacson High School in Soweto, with the school fence as a great prop to protect learners from the army, the musical narrates the gripping events following the protests of 1976 where about 200 000 black students rose against the oppressive apartheid education system. With its riveting storytelling, Sarafina! transports audiences into a world of bravery, bringing to life the memories of a generation that dared to confront its oppressor, armed only with stones and molotov cocktails.

The nine-piece jazz band garbed in the apartheid government's military uniform plays tunes from the legendary Bra Hugh Masekela composed by Dr. Mbongeni Ngema. Picture: Joburg Theatre. 

This three-hour high-energy emotional odyssey captivates the audience through a vibrant schoolyard setting, complemented by the pulsating sounds of a nine-piece jazz band garbed in the apartheid government's military uniform playing tunes from the legendary Bra Hugh Masekela. With a 29-strong cast bursting with talent in singing, acting, and dancing, the performance seamlessly incorporates struggle songs, political chants, gospel, maskandi, and Iscathamiya music.

Returning to her lead role, Noxolo Dlamini commands the stage as Sarafina, showcasing her remarkable growth since her debut in 2017. She infuses each powerful dialogue and monologue with a palpable authenticity. Her performance carries an emotional weight, particularly as she recounts how she was nurtured by Victoria Mxenge, a revered anti-apartheid activist who was tragically assassinated in front of her children. Dlamini’s narrative, set against the backdrop of haunting melodies, poignantly reminds viewers of the adversities faced by black South Africans during apartheid.

The complete cast of Sarafina! on stage. Picture: Joburg Theatre.

Alongside Dlamini, a remarkable cast of veterans and emerging artists brings to life unforgettable characters, including the ever-optimistic Colgate, fierce street fighter Crocodile, the playful Silence, gossiping Teaspoon, Magundane, Scabha, and Thandeka Zulu-Ngema perfectly embodies the whimsical teacher, “Miss it’s a pity”, named because of her frequent use of the phrase “it’s a pity”. One standout performance comes from Shiva ka Gagamela as Stimela, masterfully embodying the character's vibrant personality through stylish attire and charismatic stage presence.

Shiva ka Gagamela plays the very energetic role of Stimela - the Master of the Trains. Champion staff-rider. Master of clothes and style. Stimela saseZola. Picture: Joburg Theatre.

The directorial mastery of Mpho Molepo allows the narrative to ebb and flow through storytelling, music, and impassioned monologues, culminating in an unexpected and deeply emotive funeral scene following a harrowing massacre of school learners. The character of the pastor presiding over the mass burial of school learners is touching, melancholic and very convincing. This moment left the audience breathless, a poignant reflection on the senseless loss of life in the fight for South African freedom.

Another poignant scene is when the apartheid policemen arrive and harshly break up the learners' gathering, beat them up and arrested them. However, Malepo also brings in comic relief with a cameo of a drunken street vendor who sells fatcakes to the learners. It's a clever role that brings some lightheartedness to a deeply emotional story that still touches raw nerves on a large population of the country.

But also musically, soulful musician Hlengiwe Pearl does justice to all high-pitched notes of the songs and strikes an uncanny resemblance with Khanyo Maphumulo in a school uniform. A standout performance is a solo by an actress wearing a sangoma's shawl done soon at the resumption of the second segment of the production. This piece is deeply spiritual and feels like a heartfelt tribute to the late Mama Busi Mhlongo.   

Thandeka Zulu-Ngema excels in the teacher role as "Miss it's a pity" on Sarafina! Picture: Joburg Theatre. 

With the production's length broken into two segments, the audience finds themselves on a rollercoaster of emotions, speculating how the story could unfold further after a gripping first act. Yet, the second act delights by celebrating the legacy of playwright Dr. Mbongeni Ngema, the visionary behind the production and the creative force who composed and arranged the powerful music and lyrics, featuring additional songs by Masekela.

Choreographed by Nompumelele Gumede-Ngema, an alumni whose own journey with the show began in 2010, the dance sequences are executed with precision and flair.

“I never imagined that one day I'd be choreographing the very show that first moved me as a young girl from Soweto. This is why I believe that Sarafina is not just a story, it lives in every one of us,” said Gumede-Ngema at the opening night on Sunday. “A heartfelt thank you to the producers, director, musical director, and especially my beautiful, amazing cast. You've been carrying this production beautifully, preserving Ngema’s legacy with such passion and dedication.” 

Dr. Mbongeni Ngema's son and widow, Afrika Ngema and Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema, respectively, unveiled his star during his induction to the Walk of Fame on Sunday. Picture: Joburg Theatre.

Ngema was finally indicted to the Walk of Fame with a star at the Joburg Theatre, joining the ranks of South African luminaries like Athol Fugard. Joburg MMC for Community Development, Tebogo Nkokou, praised Ngema's artistry, calling him “a cultural leader” whose work captured the spirit of resistance and laid bare the struggles of the people. He highlighted that Ngema “brought the township to Broadway” and advocated for the voiceless through his profound narratives.

“Dr Ngema was not merely an artist, he was a cultural leader, through productions like Asinamali, Woza Albert, The Zulu, The House of Shaka, and the iconic Sarafina!. He captured the rhythms of our resistance and the pulse of our people. His work was a theater of a memory, of a day, of a time, and ultimately of hope,” said Nkokou. 

“He served when others were silenced. He danced when the streets moaned. He wrote scripts that educated, agitated, and awakened. And in doing so, he brought the township to Broadway, the classroom to the stage, and the soul of our South Africa to the world. It is fitting that we honor Dr. Ngema is a symbol of self, absolute honesty, integrity, and uprightness, character, and fearlessness, and above all, a consuming love for one's people. Dr. Ngema embodied his values, he led through art, he loved to do truth, he led our people without ever asking for permission to do so.” 

The evocative music and captivating performances resonate deeply with audiences, aiming to ignite a passion for social and political justice that constinues to be vital today. Through the echoes of song and dance, Sarafina! serves not just as a mere retelling of history, but as an urgent reminder to carry the torch of activism forward.

As the audience leaves the theatre, the lingering impact of Sarafina! serves to spark reflection and conversation about the ongoing struggles faced by young South Africans in pursuit of equality. It becomes evident that the battle for memory remains intertwined with the quest for justice—a fight that is far from over.

Sarafina! is scheduled to run from May 30 to June 15, 2025, with tickets available from R120 to R450.