Double dad drama
The new baby is ripping brothers Mazwi and Smanga apart.
Generations – The Legacy Weekdays SABC1 (*191) 20:00
Being a Moroka is difficult at the best of times thanks to the infighting and rivalries. But it’s out of hand thanks to Smanga (Moopi Mothibeli) being forced to play second fiddle to his brother Mazwi (Musa Ngema). Smanga is biting his tongue not to reveal that he is baby Rorisang’s (Lethokuhle Jiyane) biological father. “It’s awkward to say the least,” says Moopi. “Everyone feels trapped. But they hang in there for the sake of the baby, who’s also now gravely ill.” Mazwi’s wife Sphe (Pearl Monama) is tired of living a lie and she wants to reveal the baby’s paternity – that she slept with her brother-in-law – but on Wednesday 7 June she too bites her tongue when she realises that the truth will destroy her marriage.
TENSIONS & TRAUMA
Smanga and Mazwi are pacing like caged lions on Thursday 8 June, anxious to hear about the baby’s breathing problems. “They’re actually grappling with something else – fatherhood,” says Moopi. Smanga resents having slept with Sphe to ensure a Moroka heir, while Mazwi is worried about not being a father. He was told in January 2017 that he’s infertile, so he knows that he isn’t Rorisang’s dad. At the same time, he isn’t sure who is!
Smanga keeps a safe distance from his daughter to not raise suspicion, but he can’t contain his jealousy, especially when on Friday 9 June the Moroka elders praise Mazwi for his fatherhood. “Smanga makes a snide comment. He is bitter about being sidelined yet again,” says Moopi, adding that Smanga puts up a brave front and convinces himself that he doesn’t need family support.
FLAG ON THE PLAY
Despite his front, Smanga is having trouble not seeing his daughter and on Thursday 15 June, he tries to sneak in to see her. “But he finds Mazwi there,” Moopi reveals, “and excuses himself.” But that’s just enough jumpy behaviour for Mazwi to notice and he questions his brother’s relationship to Rori. The next day, Friday 16 June, after the hospital calls to tell the family about a setback in Rori’s recovery, Mazwi can’t help himself and goes to see his child. “Sphe sees Smanga getting too close and orders him to stay away,” Moopi says. “He lashes out at her for excluding him from Rori’s life. He is determined to spend time with her – and nothing and nobody is going to stop him.”