Play nails corruption culture
Chronicle of abuse of power poignant
Young director and writer Thando Mngomezulu has knocked some sense into our heads about the state of the country, especially after apartheid, through his play.
Adapted from Niq Mhlongo’s book, Soweto Under Apricot Tree, the play, Nailed, is on at the Market Theatr ein Newtown, Joburg until March 3. Through Nailed, the writer chronicles the abuse of political power and corruption.
Thanks to the play, we now understand how slay queens with long nails land those government jobs without any (post-matric) qualification.
The story is tol d th rough corrupt politician Ndumiso Mgobhozi, played by Khulu Skhenjana, who is appointed ME C fo r refugees, tourism, asylum and displacements in Mpumalanga.
As soon as he takes over ,he appoints his unqualified friends to higher positions. It is basicall ya rule book on how to abuse government money without being nailed.
T hep lay presents fascinating stories of township life and a thought-provoking commentary on post-apartheid SA.
Mngomezul ute lls a beautiful story of how politicians continue to loot and use state resources to impress and to run their own lives as if taxpayers’ money was their own.
The writer, who pays attention to detail, captures everything perfectly, including the language and demeanour of politicians.
The extent of the problem is growing public funds being diverted away towards private interests.
With corruption on the rise and our national attention on state capture, this show ticks all the boxes.
In Nailed, the MEC with a roving eye is caught with his pants down at another man’s house and his assets get roughed up a bit.
The talented cast includes Aya Mpama, Katlego Letsholonyane, Lunga Khuhlane, Nyaniso Dzedze and Zesuliwe Hadebe, who all nail their roles.