MZANSI Magic bosses have responded to criticism of their new reality show, Mgidi Moms, saying the reaction from some viewers was disappointing.
The channel hosted a watch party for the media at Multichoice in Randburg this week, where the first episode set to premiere on Sunday, 29 March, was screened.
Media in attendance enjoyed the show, which delivered plenty of laughter and light-hearted moments.
The watch party was attended by Moshe Ndiki, Pearl Modiadie, Zenande Mfenyana, Sisa Hewana, KB Motsilanyane and Claire Mawisa, who spoke about her experience with ulwaluko (initiation).
Mgidi Moms is a first-of-its-kind show that explores the coming-of-age journey of Xhosa boys as they transition into manhood, told through the eyes of their mothers.
The show will be hosted by actor and presenter, Moshe Ndiki.
However, even before its release, the show sparked debate among viewers.
Head of Unscripted Content: General Entertainment, Mbali Ntuli, said she was taken aback by the response.
"The first thing that really saddened me is that when we announced the show, people said they are going to make a mockery of our culture, why are we letting out the secrets, things that are sacred.
"I'm a Zulu person, and I know things that are sacred in my culture as well, and there's a difference between something that is sacred and something that is hidden, so it almost felt like our culture is meant to be hidden and it's not, it's meant to be celebrated," she said.
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Mbali added that negative reaction came too soon.
"For me, the fact that we landed a show like this, before anybody had seen anything, it just immediately went to the negative side of our culture that is going to be made a mockery of, and I'm so glad that's obviously not what happened," she said.
Mbali said the show aims to start meaningful conversations and celebrate culture.
"The conversations I'm hoping people are going to have are that there are no limits to your culture. It's a celebration," she said.
Channel Director for Local Entertainment, Shirley Adonisi, urged viewers to approach the show open-minded.
"Respect people's rituals and take time to find out about them if you're curious, do not judge from a negative perspective, educate yourself so that you are not coming from an ignorant perspective because these rituals exist for a reason," she said.
She said the show plays an important role in reconnecting people with their roots.
"This type of content keeps us grounded. We have a lot of distractions in our lives, and shows like this keep us grounded. It doesn't really matter what you are busy with at the end of the day. It's who you are," she said.
Director of the show, Siyethembe Nkomonde, said the show tells a heartfelt story that may surprise viewers.
"I think it's going to give a lot of clarity because people are expecting to see one thing, but what they will see is love," he said.
He added that the show captures the pride and emotional journey of mothers.
"You're just really capturing Izibazana's journey, how proud she is, and they really speak through their children. When Ikala comes home, the story comes full circle because you can see that love," he said.
