Sarafina is more than a musical, but a cultural landmark, marking the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprisings

By Funeka Patience Bambalele

I was last week invited to a preview of Sarafina, which is back fresh and with a new director behind it. It is performing at Soweto Theatre, a venue not far from the event that inspired the musical.

It is profoundly significant that Sarafina!, one of South Africa’s most iconic theatrical works, has returned to the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani.

The production’s homecoming is more than symbolic: it unfolds just 2km from the historic Isaac Morrison High School, the very ground from which the 1976 Youth Uprising ignited. Staging the play in Soweto for the 50th commemoration of the uprising gives the revival a powerful sense of place, memory, and reclamation. The show opened on May 8 and will continue until May 31.

Created by the late legend Dr Mbongeni Ngema, Sarafina!, remains a searing exploration of Black political struggle—particularly the resistance against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. Now directed by Mpho Molepo, the 2026 revival honours Ngema’s legacy while breathing new life into the work. Molepo’s direction is sharp, heartfelt, and deeply respectful of the material. He assembles a young, dynamic cast whose energy electrifies the stage.

The day began with a vibrant workshop where schoolchildren immersed themselves in the choreography of some of the show’s most iconic songs, learning the movement vocabulary that carries the story’s emotional power. Watching the show alongside 400 students from various schools added an electric charge to the experience. From the moment the cast burst onto the stage, they performed with an infectious zest and youthful energy that matched the audience’s excitement beat for beat. The young crowd was fully engaged—laughing, cheering, and responding to every moment.

Sarafina! has always been more than a musical. With music by the late Hugh Masekela, it is a cultural landmark that premiered on Broadway in 1988 before becoming a global cinematic phenomenon. Its themes of resistance, courage, and collective power continue to resonate across generations.

The story centres on Sarafina, a spirited young student who, inspired by her fearless teacher, awakens to her own political consciousness during the 1976 Soweto Uprising. As the apartheid government imposes Afrikaans as the language of instruction, Sarafina and her classmates are propelled into a revolutionary struggle that tests their courage, unity, and hope.

The production’s heartbeat lies in its music—an electrifying blend of protest songs, mbaqanga rhythms, and traditional Zulu melodies. These musical elements do more than entertain; they echo the defiance, grief, and unbreakable optimism of the 1976 generation. Each song becomes a rallying cry, a lament, and a celebration of youthful resistance.

This 2026 staging, with choreography by Nompumelelo Gumede‑Ngema, reimagines the classic for today’s audience. It celebrates the resilience of South Africa’s youth and honours the women whose strength and sacrifice shaped the nation’s path to liberation.

Vibrant, emotional, and rooted in historical truth, Sarafina! at Soweto Theatre is both a tribute and a call to remembrance—a reminder of art’s enduring ability to confront injustice and inspire change.

Noxolo Dlamini, in the title role, delivers a stirring performance—stepping into a lineage that includes the incomparable Leleti Khumalo, who originated the role and starred in the internationally acclaimed film adaptation. Dlamini’s interpretation is fresh yet grounded, capturing Sarafina’s youthful defiance and aching hope.

If you’ve followed Sarafina! over the years, you’ll be delighted to see the beloved characters of Stimela SaseZola, Teaspoon, Colgate, Silence, Magundane, Crocodile, and the unforgettable Mistress “It’s a Pity” brought back to life with such charm. She is played by Thandeka Zulu. These characters continue to inject humour, texture, and vibrancy into the story, reminding audiences why they have remained fan favourites for decades.

The current Mistress “It’s a Pity” is a standout—vocally gifted, confident, and able to belt out any note with effortless power. Her presence lifts every scene she enters, adding both comedic flair and musical brilliance to the production.

Friday’s performance carried a special kind of magic. Even Xoliswa Nduneni‑Ngema, CEO of Joburg Theatres (under which Soweto Theatre falls), couldn’t hide her delight. Throughout the show she smiled non‑stop, visibly moved by the production’s energy, precision, and emotional power. Her reaction alone said everything about the calibre of the performance.

I’ve seen Sarafina! many times over the years, yet each performance feels as fresh and electrifying as the first encounter. There is something about this production—its energy, its heart, its unapologetic spirit—that refuses to grow old. If you love dance and music, then Sarafina! is your perfect poison: intoxicating, rhythmic, and impossible to resist.

The standing ovation at the end of the show wasn’t polite; it was earned, heartfelt, and a testament to how deeply the production resonated with its young audience.