This coming Sunday (16 December) SABC2 will air an historical docu-drama entitled Bhambatha, about the legendary Zulu king who staged an armed rebellion against hut tax in 1906, in what many perceive to be the start of The Struggle.
The story of Bhambatha and his rebellion began in 1905 when colonial rulers in Natal decided to impose a poll tax of one British pound on all adult men in order to boost coffers emptied by the recently-ended Anglo-Boer War.
The story talks about the loss of culture, disintegration of the economy and resistance against an important piece of legislation in the colonial period.
The documentary also highlights the growing discontent shown by blacks causing white fears to grow, with sporadic clashes between black tribes and white tax collectors in the sub-tropical forested province.
After four policemen were killed in an ambush, Bhambatha became public enemy number one. This Zulu chief of the small but influential amaZondi clan was fingered as the main culprit of the unrest.
Thousands of colonial troops were then sent after him, including cavalry and heavy artillery, leading to 3,500 dead. Bhambatha himself reportedly was killed in the Battle of Mome Gorge.
"Documentaries like these are of paramount importance to us as they remind us of where the struggle began. We believe our viewers will enjoy this docu-drama this festive season as we spend time with our families and we think this will spark meaningful conversations," said Mathe Mosito, SABC2 Marketing Manager.
Behind the scenes of this 75-minute production are producer/director Rehad Desai, Anita Khan, Muzi Radebe (screen writer), Feizel Mamdoo (creative writer) and Kurt Egelhof (producer).
Bhambatha airs on SABC2 on Sunday 16 December, at 21h00.