New South African feature film Sabbatical features an impressive lineup

Set to premiere nationwide on May 9, those featured include Seputla Sebogodi, Loyiso Gola, Tsholofelo Maseko,Thina Mnumzana.

By Funeka Bambalele

For actress Mona Monyane, taking on the role of Lesego Tau in the South African film Sabbatical has served as a much-needed therapeutic experience.

 Co-leading the story with Clementine Mosimane, Monyane has faced significant personal challenges over the past few years, including the heartbreaking loss of a child, the destruction of her home, and a divorce.

 Written and directed by Karabo Lediga, Sabbatical is set to premiere nationwide on May 9, 2025. The film features an impressive lineup, including Seputla Sebogodi, Loyiso Gola, Tsholofelo Maseko,Thina Mnumzana and many more. With director of photography being Motheo Moeng and edited by Khulekani Zondi, Sabbatical easily ticks all the boxes.

 The film dives into themes of family, identity, and the unsaid truths that shape society. It follows a successful banker who unexpectedly returns to her childhood home after facing a setback, grappling with the challenge of sharing her pain with her mother due to their complicated relationship.

 Monyane portrays Lesego, the daughter of Doris, played by Mosimane. During a preview of the film at Universal International Studio in Sandton, it becomes clear that the mother-daughter duo navigates an uneasy relationship. The film captivates with its striking visuals and moments of silence that resonate deeply.

 In a conversation with CITYLIFE/ARTS, Monyane reflected on her experience, stating, “For me, it was therapeutic; it was a compass. I was able to share the story of the cost of perfection and success, portraying what it feels like when we find ourselves out of control. There’s always that pressure not to show your problems. It’s refreshing to explore what it means to face our struggles head-on.”

Monyane’s personal connection to Sabbatical runs deep: “It was a challenge for me as an actor, and I applied my education in a meaningful way. After suffering the loss of a child, my house burning down, and going through a divorce, I took a sabbatical myself. Returning home to live with my mother was a journey. I was raised to succeed, only to learn that life doesn’t always unfold that way. I had to rediscover my true self.”

Meanwhile, Mosimane, a well-respected actress, expressed her enjoyment in bringing the character of Doris to life. She described Doris as a Pretoria girl who grew up in a township with limited opportunities and faced challenges as a single mother when things didn’t work out with her fiancé after lobola was paid.

“I loved portraying Doris, who is Lesego’s mother. The story hints at our background with Lesego; there’s a notable absence of a father figure, and it’s important to acknowledge that we often feel lonely as we grow older.”

 Mosimane contends that the film serves as a revelation for parents regarding child rearing. The film highlights how parents project their own inadequacies onto their children, preventing them from embracing their true selves.

“What I appreciate about Doris is that, despite the awkwardness in their relationship, she does not abandon Lesego; this is why, upon realizing that her daughter requires her, she requests Gabriel (portrayed by Seputla Sebogodi) to provide them with some distance. She understands that she needs to heal and be well, which is often neglected by women. We prioritize our relationships over our children. We focus on our own happiness rather than that of our kids. Families continue to disintegrate, and the father may leave while my daughter remains behind indefinitely. ”

Monyane elaborated that Lesego grew up under immense pressure as the only child and her mother’s ideal offspring. Given that her mother was unable to pursue education because she lived through the apartheid era and that Lesego’s father abandoned them, she feels obligated to fulfil her mother’s aspirations.

“As you can observe, it is challenging for Lesego to approach her mother whenever she encounters obstacles in life. I believe this situation is quite prevalent in our society. Children are often regarded as a means to an end by parents. They overlook the fact that they are nurturing a human being who necessitates love and compassion. As a mother, Doris never wanted to appear unsuccessful, hence, she constantly advises Lesego that in life, one must not accept failure and should strive to ascend the ladder. ”

Mosimane chips in, “The absence of Lesego’s father and the fact that Doris has raised her alone underscores the underlying pain; she must not forget her roots. She must remember that Doris has been both her mother and father.  Doris has been the steadfast authority who always has the final word. ”

In contrast to Doris, a savvy township girl, Lesego spent most of her time in boarding school, missing out on much of township life. Consequently, she has few friends, and her interactions with others are primarily transactional.

“For Lesego, the world is merely an oyster. After securing a job, she resolved to purchase a house in an affluent suburb, and she has remained at home for a considerable duration. She has been repeatedly told that failure is not an option. When she encounters her first mistake, it becomes challenging for her to return home when faced with the prospect of losing everything.”