Keeping a family secret
A pregnancy scare sends Zinhle into panic mode, ready to dump her boyfriend and half-brother Zak.
In about a months’ time, Rhythm City (2007-now) will come to an end. And while the writers have discussed taboo subjects such as sex work, gangsterism and substance abuse, it’s only fitting that the soap ends with a storyline that leaves jaws dropping: incest.
Having learnt that they’re half-siblings in April, rebellious teen Zinhle Ngobese (Kealeboga Masango) was forced to dump Zak (Bohlokwa Mpiti). As Kealeboga explains, Zinhle and Zak’s separation didn’t mean that the young couple would get rid of their feelings and attraction for each other, especially when their dad Khulekani (Mncedisi Shabangu) invited Zak to live at the Ngobese home with the family in mid May. “Zinhle falls into temptation and kisses Zak. One thing leads to another and they have sex. They’re convinced that they share this formidable bond and that they’re made for each other,” she says.
As much as it is exhilarating to sneak around behind their family’s backs, Zak and Zinhle’s affair is compromised by a shocking discovery this fortnight.
EXPECTING THE WORST
Zak discovers that the condom from the night before is broken. He tells Zinhle, who breaks into a cold sweat. “It’s only then that reality hits the young couple, and they realise the repercussions of their behaviour,” says Kealeboga. Further complicating the messy situation, Zinhle’s thoughts get the better of her and she suspects that she might be pregnant (overnight in soapie style). “Shock takes over and she has a million thoughts running through her mind. They are too young and inexperienced to raise a child. They are half-siblings. What will their parents say if Zinhle is indeed pregnant? It’s all a disaster,” says Kealeboga about her character’s fears. Zinhle and Zak buy a home pregnancy test, which comes back negative, much to their relief. “This is a warning sign. They should end it.” But Zinhle isn’t ready to let go just yet.
CUTTING TIES
Understanding the risks involved in proceeding his relationship with Zinhle, Zak decides to dump Zinhle once and for all. To make the message clear, he pursues Zinhle’s bestie Kea (Kamogelo Molatlhoe). “Zinhle is jealous and feels blindsided,” says Kealeboga, whose character is forced to come to terms with Zak’s decision since nothing would ever have come from their fling other than to drive their family apart. “I believe that Zinhle should put her energy into loving herself. The right person will sweep her off her feet when she’s able to appreciate herself and see herself as whole.”