Morality and the plight of women in the spotlight

A melting pot of traditions and relative morality set the scene for one of South Africa’s most poignant theatrical works, Shwele Bawo, A Grave Injustice. Written and performed by Motshabi Tyelele and directed by Lynn Maree, this award-winning piece that deals with issues of women abuse in South Africa, runs at the Market Theatre from 12 February to 18 March.

Shwele Bawo looks at the juxtaposition of old traditions fighting for survival against modern ways in South Africa and the effect this has on society.

Through the story of the protagonist, Dikeledi Nkabinde, told retrospectively from Dikeledi’s place of imprisonment, many themes create multiple layers for thought: identity crises among men and women; the disintegration of family structures; women and child abuse; relationships; incest; the power of the media and the inequalities in our justice system, all come under the spotlight.

The play reveals how these issues, ignored for far too long, have created a social time bomb of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy our society.

Dikeledi is a woman who decides to take the law into her own hands and plans to kill her abusive husband. For over 12 years she has been a faithful wife to Solly Nkabinde, turning a blind eye to his infidelities and physical abuse. Traditional instructions from her elders to obey her husband (“Monna ke selepe wa kadimisangwa! A man is an axe to be borrowed!”) keep her from leaving her situation.

But when she realises that her daughter, Bontle, has also been a victim of abuse at the hands of Solly, she explodes and other proverbs are awakened within her - (“Mmangwana o tshwara thipa ka bohaleng! The mother of the child holds the sharp end of the knife!”)

The protective instinct of the mother kicks in and to protect her children, she plans to kill her husband and break the chains of her repetitive abuse.

An award-winning playwright, actress and director, Motshabi is as well known for her belief in the need for the empowerment and cultural enrichment of our youth and society as she is for her theatrical and television work. “When we encounter Dikeledi at the beginning of the play she has already spent two years in jail. She has done some deep soul searching and has forgiven herself.

Through the story, the audience see not only Dikeledi’s story, but that of the South African society at large. Do we keep on judging her? Or are we going to look at her with different eyes? Are we going to look at ourselves and see what we`ve become and see what we stand for? What do we stand for?” Motshabi asks.

Book now to see Shwele Bawo. Performances are at The Market Theatre Tuesdays to Sundays. Tickets are and available through Computicket or by calling the theatre 011 832 – 1641. Group and block bookings are available.