Buzani Kubawo

Buzani Kubawo ("Ask father") is an isiXhosa play by W.K. Tamsanqa.

The original text

A drama about love, family relationships and conflicts that arise when traditional expectations clash with changing values, it tells the story of Zwalakhe, who is indirectly responsible for the butchering of Gugulethi’s family, since he forced him to marry someone he did not love. The text was published by Oxford University Press in 1958. A second edition was published in 1998.

Translations and adaptations

Translated into Setswana Tswana as Botsang Rre by G.S. Gaetsewe, and published in 1965 by Oxford University Press.

It was subsequently translated into other local languages during the 1960s, including a version in Zulu by Mandla Sibiya called Buzani Kubaba and one in Southern Sotho by Mmamokolokolo Poho called Botsang Ntate. The play was also adapted as a serial for radio and broadcast by the SABC.

Performance history in South Africa

circa 1976: Performed by a high school in the Mbekweni township near Paarl[1], directed by the teacher Bram Mhlom with a cast that included the later professional actor Solomzi Bhisholo.

19**: Broadcast as a radio serial by the SABC

2017: Performed as Buzani Ku Bawo by Artscape to be taken on tour in the greater Cape Town area to be seen by thousands of isiXhosa learners, for whom it was a setwork book. Then performed at the Artscape Theatre Centre from 19 to 29 July. Directed by Thokozile Ntshinga, Director for Artscape’s Inclusive Arts Unit.

1923: Performed at the ArtsCape main theatre, opening on May 18.