Zola to host new reality show Utatakho

Utatakho is centred on bringing resolution and understanding to the difficult topic of absent fathers. Using in-depth interviews, the series will explore the motivations, doubts and hopes of the three most central persons in each episode – father, mother, and child.

Whether it’s a father who refuses to acknowledge his child, a mother who wants to prove her child’s father is the man she has named, or even an adult simply wanting to know who their dad is; Utatakho will try to help.

From meeting each of the people involved and hearing their story, to facilitating a DNA test, and to delivering the final results with the help of a counselling psychologist, the show will strive to encourage union, dialogue and a positive way forward in each case that it spotlights.

Picture: Supplied

It is important to note that the series was not designed to deal with the topics of maintenance and fiscal arrangements for child rearing, but more to give closure to those who simply want to know how and if they are related to each other.

Commenting on the series, Zola (Bonginkosi Dlamini) says: “I really wanted to be involved in this particular program because it tackles a subject that is very relevant to many South Africans, and very close to my own heart. I want people to see that they can engage, that there can be a powerful positive outcome to years of questions, that using a combination of science and respect, we can have meaningful conversations about paternity, family, future. I think audiences will be inspired and moved by the stories that are told on this show.”

Utatakho debuts on Mzansi Magic (channel 161) on Tuesday, July 7 at 19:30.