Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars shines the theatrical spotlight on corruption and other political shenanigans

The overture is reminiscent of modern struggle songs that mirror apartheid-era liberation chants. The stage set is really simple, with one elegantly upholstered bench and an oak-like puzzle on the floor and wall. One puzzle piece lies outside the carpet - a misplaced piece that suggests that something is missing. This theatre presentation suggests that justice for the poor is that missing piece. A door lit on the far right hand side of the wall serves as a wine and liquor storage.

Tsebo Rapoo as Tshireletso Nkoane, Lebogang Motaung as Qiniso Nxumalo and Xolile Gama as Ronald Mulaudzi. Pic by Mark Wessels. 

 

Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars - a stage work written by J Bobs Tshabalala, the Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winner for Theatre 2020 - is directed by Theatre Duo, Mahlatsi Mokgonyana and Billy Langa, assisted by Ketsia Velaphi. The show is being performed at the Market Theatre's main John Kani Theatre. This thought-provoking political satire is artistically brought to life by Denis Hutchinson's stunning set and lighting design, as well as Lethabo Bereng's costumes and decor. The script's complexities are skillfully portrayed by cast members Lebohang Motaung as QINISO NXUMALO, Moagi Kai as MXOLISI MTHEMBU, Xolile Gama as RONALD MULAUDZI, Tshireletso Nkoane as TSEBO RAPOO, and Anelisa Phewa as SQALO HOKO.

The uncommon and unique curtain speech - a brief speech made through voice-over immediately following a performance, generally in front of the stage's closed curtains - is delivered in a politically-charged tone. The words 'This revolutionary act cannot be aired' are heard before the lights enchant the audience.

 

Anelisa Phewa as Sqalo Hoko and Lebogang Motaung as Qiniso Nxumalo. Pic: Mark Wessels 

The tone on stage is contrasted with a display on the wall of a quotation by Franz Fanon regarding bourgeoisie. A confident stride by a black man wearing a white mask is followed by two people dressed in high-end clothes and well-polished shoes. They are holding a 'diplomatic rhetoric' concert to honour their 'induna cadre,' not hiding their concerns about losing their riches. They declare from the start that they will not return to poverty. Smuts Ngonyama, a former ANC spokesperson, stated that he "didn't struggle to be poor" almost two decades ago when defending his participation in a Telkom BEE share program that would have won him up to R160 million after the sale of the government's shares.

 

In Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars, Tshabalala scrutinizes the political landscape, an intricate web of corruption by political office bearers in his homeland, using the same postcolonial magnifying glass that Ngugi wa Thiong'o used in his novel Wizard of The Crow.

 

Moagi Kai as Mxolisi Mthembu. Pic: Mark Wessels. 

Though the story is set in an imagined Free Republic of Aburiria, the characters in wa Thiong'os' novel bear unmistakable resemblances to African politicians in today's South Africa, who ply their trade in defending and protecting each other’s corruption and all manner of corrupt shenanigans. Tshabalala provides us with four men willing to go to any length - in the terminology of the current political milieu - to launch young innocent future leaders into looting the state coffers. There is no difference in wa Thiong'o's tale, where a trio of ridiculous ministers whose sycophancy extends to bizarre body modification - each consenting to surgically enlarge his eyes, ears, or tongue, all the better to spot the Ruler's political adversaries, overhear their conspiracies, or spread his influence. By hook or crook, the four men are defending their Commander.

 

Xolile Gama as Ronald Mulaudzi and Tshireletso Nkoane as Tsebo Rapoo. Pic: Mark Wessels.

These four men are not ordinary citizens, but rather decorated veterans. Fluent in cadre language with poetic rhythmic vocabulary, their goal is to feed their potbellies rather than the poor and oppressed. They had a plan to bring in a new cub to help them with their looting. An eagle in flight is projected on the wall, which is interconnected with a framed artwork of Mr Nxumalo that resembles the Dutch painting masters. The investigator or journalist is invited into his home and urged to dismiss the allegations, but is informed that the objective is to incorporate him into the system. Mr Sxalo Hoko initially refulsed to become entangled in the rot, but he was eventually connived into the system.  This was made feasible by the purchase of chocolate and flowers for his wife Zoleka. He was appointed Chief of Intelligence. I'd like to limit my domain's touchability.

 

The performance also features the Honourable Rikhotso, Minister of Tendepreneurs, who is said to be kind to fellow looters. This man eats for himself as well as for them. He is described as a dependable con artist. These authorities are constantly scared of the word 'lezenke,' which denotes poverty. It is written somewhere that "it takes a village to avoid the life of a squatta." Their inventiveness inspires them to devise new ways to plunder the state, such as the Umsombovu Youth Fund initiative, which was created to empower South African youth back in 2001.   

 

As the 90-minute performance comes to a close, a young, naive, and sharp figure portrayed by Moagi Kai emerges; we are told that he is from the movement's lower structures. He is greeted by Mr Hoko, who is now well-versed in the "system." For a time, we are led on a voyage through how elder politicians poison the youthful blood, resulting in improved but weak leaders for the future. This master piece will have you wanting to watch it over and over again. There isn’t a single moment when you feel bored while viewing it.

 

The play opened on the 26th July and will conclude on 13th August 2023. To make block bookings and enquire about discounts please contact Anthony Ezeoke 011 832 1641ext 203/ 083 246 4950

 

For further information, interviews and images, contact:

 

Acting Brand and Communications Manager: Lusanda Zokufa 072 367 7867 or lusandaz@markettheatre.co.za