UZOQOPHA umlando u-Candy Mavundla ngokuba ngowesifazane owokuqala ukungenela iDusi ISITHOMBE: SITHUNYELIWE

As from next week it will be all lights, camera, action in the townships and rural parts of KZN when Tinseltown comes to visit the province.

Uzogcwala La! is a magazine television show which will be co-ordinated and hosted by the famous Leleti Khumalo (Sarafina and Yesterday). It will be filmed in townships around Durban and 11 other underprivileged districts across the province.

The show is the brainchild of Khumalo (pictured) and Operation Sukuma Sakhe – a government initiative aimed at overcoming issues that act as stumbling blocks to children’s success. “I’ve wanted to give back to the community and this is a chance for that. I want to help where I can,” Khumalo said.

The actress was born in KwaMashu township. She soon joined a youth backyard dance group called Amajika.

Khumalo said the youth shouldn’t let obstacles stand in their way, adding it takes hard work to be successful in life.

Soul City producers have tried, but sadly teenagers still fall victim to early pregnancy, or are left HIV-positive, the actor said.

She had been approached by desperate teenagers asking for advice on “sugar daddies” and the problem of unemployment.

“I then approached the government about the idea of tackling these issues. I understand the teenagers’ situation because I also grew up in the township,” she said.

Luckily, the government had a similar initiative called Sukuma Sakhe – which is aimed at engaging society and overcoming crime and poverty.

“They suggested that we work together, mainly because children are familiar with my face,” she said.

Khumalo starred in films like Sarafina, alongside Whoopi Goldberg, and in the award winning movie, Yesterday.

She won’t be seen often in all 13 episodes of the new show. Instead, children from different schools will take centre stage, and the government is footing the bill.

Khumalo also revealed that she will be taking a short break from acting, focusing on the project, Leleti Khumalo’s School Ground.

“I am taking a break from everything else, giving this project my full focus. It is my baby after all,” she said laughing.

In the meantime, Khumalo’s ex-husband, Mbongeni Ngema, is producing a show called Number 43 – focusing on the ANC’s safe house in Swaziland, which was home to those leaving the country for training overseas.

With the high rate of early pregnancy, let’s hope the show will bring change. If you want Leleti Khumalo’s School Ground to come to your school or community, call 0800 596 596.

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