Actress works hard to promote siSwati and isiNdebele languages on TV

She aims to do this through her new TV drama series, Bukhosi.

However, for Mphuthi’s dream of producing the first-ever fully fledged siSwati and isiNdebele TV series, she needs the support of local businesses and government.

“By helping to fund this project, you will not only help us to tell beautiful stories, but also assist in providing job opportunities for the people of Mpumalanga. This project will be cast and crewed up as much as possible by the people of the province,” she said.

“The production of Bukhosi will be done in Mpumalanga, unearthing and developing local talent. We intend on having shadowing posts and internships for various crew and production positions as a way of assisting those who have the dream of working in the film and television industry, but have no funds for a formal education.”

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This former Generations actress has teamed up with Delizwe Shabangu of Mzinti.

Shabangu is a well-known author and also the concept developer of the TV series, which is an African tale about leadership, culture, love, wealth and power.

“Just over 10 years ago, Shabangu approached me with an idea to do a drama series telling stories from Mpumalanga. He is passionate about the siSwati language and its culture,” Mphuthi said.

“I saw an opportunity to put the province on the map by helping to develop a film and television industry in a region that is hungry for it. The province is an ideal and perfect destination for shoots as it has beautiful and lush scenery.” She is co-producing, developing and directing Bukhosi.

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Mphuthi, who holds a diploma in dramatic arts from the Pretoria Technikon, has directed a number of well-known soapies and drama series, including Generations, Isidingo, Ashes to Ashes, My Perfect Family, Scandal, Mzansi Magic movies and many others.

“Having been an actress for 11 years and then venturing into production has helped me to learn a lot about the industry as well as how that ‘production line’ works. I have also learned a lot about developing a series from scratch as I was part of the early development of Rhythm City,” she revealed.

“With the opportunities that were created for me in this industry, I feel well equipped to be able to help new and up-and-coming productions to develop and grow their ideas, starting with Bukhosi, the first of many. This is my newfound passion and it is the direction I am taking in my career.”

The Bukhosi team has no sponsor to fund the full production of the series. The pilot production was achieved through self-funding at a value of R350 000.

“We would like to invite organisations which have an interest in showcasing the siSwati and isiNdebele culture and talent to invest in this massive project,” said Shabangu, the executive producer.

Shabangu, a BSc degree and master of business leadership (MBL) graduate, said he is all about empowering the youth and uplifting the community. “With the series, we aim to cultivate new talent and create employment. We want to showcase tourist attractions in Mpumalanga and make it the place for shooting movies and TV shows, and also support local businesses,” he said.

The lead actors are Luyolo Zitha of Skeem Saam and Zamo Dlamini of Joyous Celebration fame.

“We are also looking at acquiring some big siSwati actors. We will advertise for acting talent, that will be followed by interviews and auditions as we aim to build talent, however, we need potential and passion from the candidates,” Shabangu said. Watch the trailer for the series on YouTube.