The premiere of the new South African film Dear Sis Dolly this week, was a colourful affair
The launch of Dear Sis Dolly, at Nu Metro Hyde Park Corner in Sandton on Tuesday, 23 June, 2026, was well attended by some of the leading names in the cast. Such as Jerry Mofokeng, Abigail Kubeka, and the most surprise of them all – the iconic editor Liz Khumalo of Drum magazine fame.
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
The invitation promised a Red Carpet experience. The occasion, as per the invite, delivered a Red Carpet experience, complete with guests dressed to impress. It was definitely not like those events dubbed Red Carpet, but deliver less.
For starters there were a whole two hours of eating, drinking and net-working, before the start of the screening. There was so much food, and I am talking about real food served, not a finger something. What I can say with certainty is that everyone who was there had no need to cook at home or pass through somewhere for a take-away after that event. Guzzlers were also looked after well, so well that there was no need for them to want to pass through their favourite local pub before heading home. That is of course assuming that everyone who was there does not have a complicated relationship with alcohol.
One journo, who normally does not complain about such things, even remarked that by the time the guests were to be ushered into the two cinemas reserved for the screening, they would be under the cloud to the extent that it was going to cloud their judgment of the film itself. However, except this observant writer, I never heard anyone else among the guests complain. Instead, they were too happy to make a bee line to the open bar to refill their wine glasses.
The occasion was the premier of Dear Sis Dolly, a new South African film, featuring big names on the local entertainment landscape, who honoured the occasion in big numbers. That alone, boosted and elevated the profile of the event above several other similar events that have taken place around Johannesburg this year, with sometimes the hopeless pretense of Red Carpet.
The launch of Dear Sis Dolly, at Nu Metro Hyde Park Corner in Sandton on Tuesday, 23 June, 2026, was well attended by some of the leading names in the cast.
Dear Sis Dolly premiere celebrates a powerful legacy of resilience, hope and South African storytelling showing at Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro Cinemas The much-anticipated, star-studded VIP red-carpet premiere of Dear Sis Dolly, provided an unforgettable evening of celebration, reflection and cinematic excellence as industry leaders, media personalities, celebrities and film enthusiasts gathered to honour a legacy by one of South Africa’s most remarkable women and cultural icons.
The premiere, held in a prestigious setting befitting the occasion, was met with great anticipation from the moment guests arrived. Cameras flashed continuously as cast members, producers, media personalities and celebrities made their way down the carpet engaging with journalists and sharing their excitement for a film that is likely to spark national conversation once it start screening from next week. The event served as a celebration of South African storytelling and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Sis Dolly, (Liz Khumalo) whose life journey continues to inspire generations of women navigating personal social and economic challenges. Dear Sis Dolly, directed by Twiggy Matiwana and written by Makganwana Mokgalong, is a tribute to community, self-love and the enduring cultural legacy of Drum Magazine’s iconic agony aunt column. The film is brought to life by a remarkable ensemble cast of South African screen royalty, led by award-winning actress Didintle Khunou. The ensemble includes S’thandiwe Kgoroge as Drum Magazine’s editor-in-chief, Dineo Langa as Sis Dolly’s best friend, Natasha Thahane as her chief rival, Brighton Ngoma as a nerdy IT specialist and legendary performers Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha and Abigail Kubeka, among others.
The film is produced by Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri, Moroba Nkawe and Joel Chikapa Phiri of Known Associates Entertainment with advertising legend Peter Vundla as executive producer.
The evening attracted an impressive line-up of industry veterans and celebrated personalities. Among those in attendance were cast members Didintle Khunou, S’thandiwe Kgoroge, Natasha Thahane, Slindokuhle Tshabalala, Alex Sono, legendary actor Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, and legendary actress Abigail Kubeka whose presence underscored the significance of the production.
Guests were treated to appearances by celebrated musician and composer Tresor, media personality Criselda Kananda, acclaimed actors Kenneth Nkosi, Tsholo Mashishi, Nonhle Thema, Zikhona Sodlaka, and Kgomotso Christopher, and advertising mogul Happy Ntsingila.
The atmosphere was electric as guests mingled on the red carpet, posing for photographs and sharing their excitement about the film. Conversations centred around the importance of preserving South African stories and recognising the women whose contributions have shaped the country’s cultural landscape. Industry stakeholders, content creators, broadcasters and members of the media were present in large numbers, highlighting the growing anticipation surrounding the film and its expected impact on audiences nationwide.
The formal programme commenced with a series of heartfelt speeches from the film’s producers, who spoke passionately about the journey of bringing Dear Sis Dolly’s story to the screen. Addressing the audience, they emphasised the urgency and relevance of the film in today’s South African context, noting that the country continues to grapple with significant social and economic challenges, including unemployment, mental health struggles, financial hardship and issues affecting women across communities.
According to Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri, Dear Sis Dolly is more than a film; it is a reminder of resilience, hope and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
“Stories like Dear Sis Dolly’s remind us that ordinary people can overcome extraordinary challenges. At a time when so many South Africans are facing uncertainty, we believe Sis Dolly’s legacy offers hope, inspiration and a sense of possibility,” she said. Also in attendance was Liz Khumalo, the first Black Female Editor-in-Chief of Drum magazine and original Sis Dolly, who expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the film and its powerful portrayal of her journey. Khumalo said she believes the film will resonate deeply with South African audiences, particularly generations of Drum readers who have long connected with the publication’s rich legacy.
“I am deeply grateful for the care and authenticity with which my story has been brought to life. Dear Sis Dolly not only honours an important chapter in our history but also celebrates the resilience, ambition and voices of South African women. I believe this film will inspire and impact audiences for many years to come,” said Khumalo.
She added that the film serves as a meaningful tribute to the enduring legacy of Drum magazine and its role in shaping South Africa’s cultural and media landscape. As the evening unfolded, it became increasingly clear that Dear Sis Dolly is more than just another film release. It is a celebration of resilience, family, community and the enduring strength of women who continue to shape South African society.
In cinemas as of 3 JULY 2026 Dear Sis Dolly will be showing at Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas across South Africa from Friday, 3 July 2026. Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends, family or that special someone, Dear Sis Dolly delivers laughter, heart and a whole lot of soul — giving you something you can feel. Book your tickets now at Ster Kinekor (www.sterkinekor.com) and Nu Metro (www.numetro.co.za). Such as Jerry Mofokeng, Abigail Kubeka, and the most surprise of them all – the iconic editor Liz Khumalo of Drum magazine fame. She edited a long running and popular column in Drum Magazine after whose name is the title of this film. Khumalo became a larger than life figure in the South African media for decades, because of that column that gave advice to the heart broken and desperate, who wrote relentless letters to the column, seeking advice.
Khumalo had the distinction of being appointed the first female editor of the iconic publication in the 1990s. She made a resounding success of that job. What was especially remarkable about her climb to the top editorial job, was the fact that she had neither training nor experience as a journalist before landing this prestigious position at Drum. Surprisingly, she did so, ahead of several others employed there with tonnes of Journalism experience.
Before Khumalo landed this plum job, her actual job was that of secretary, while she handled that column. Media 244 head honchos, Drum’s Publishers at the time, must have noticed something in her that gave them the confidence that she was the right person for the job. As it turned out, they were right. This is simply because she became a successful editor, driving circulation of the iconic publication that was founded in the 1950s high.
It is Drum of the 50s and 60s, that depicted the colourful life of the characters that populated that shanty town, south West of Johannesburg and discovered equally colourful black writers that went on to define an era in black journalism in South Africa. Writers that went on to crearte powerful narratives of the black lives of the time, and who emerged to the fore through Drum, include Can Themba, Bloke Modisane, E’skia Mphahlele, Casey Motsitsi and Lewis Nkosi, among others.
However, in the 90s, Khumalo firmly held forte at the magazine till she retired, and ever since, until at the launch, she kept a low public profile, to the extent, CITYLIFE/ARTS can reveal, that the crew behind the film, only knew about her quiet existence when they were already deep in efforts of making the film a reality. Yet, Khumalo all along, was enjoying her quiet retirement. Hiding in plain sight.
As to what I think about this film, a fictionalized version of that column and the person who made it a success, Khumalo, I would rather leave that to you dear reader, except that it is not what you probably think it is. There are surprises in store for you in this film, which premiers on the big screen this Friday, 26, June, 2026.
If I can add a bit –it is a film suitable for the whole family. However for now, I will shut my mouth, and instead, invite you to go watch the film, and judge for yourself.
.Dear Sis Dolly will start screening from Friday, July 3, 26, 2026 at Sterkinekor and Nu metro cinemas around the country. You can book tickets through the following: Ster Kinekor (www.sterkinekor.com) and Nu Metro (www.numetro.co.za).