Zone 14 offers reprieve from Generations
THE appeal of Zone 14 lies in the contrast between the township drama and the supposed glamorous lifestyle of Generations.
Zone 14 airs after Generations on Mondays and Wednesdays and during those days of the week the show offers reprieve from the habitual torture that is Generations.
Set in the fictional township called Zone 14, the drama chronicles the rivalry between two local soccer bosses - Ntate Moloi, played brilliantly by Patrick Moloi, and Tiger Sibiya, played by Patrick Shai.
Though I was sceptical at the inclusion of Shai as a replacement for Owen Sejake in the role of Tiger Sibiya, such doubts were mischievous on my part as the seasoned Shai is a consummate performer and has convincingly made the character his own in a short space of time.
This season also sees the character of Sledge assume some semblance of power under the vile tutelage of Ntate Moloi. Sledge has become the character audiences love to hate but his new prowess as some sort of Mafia under-boss is exhilarating.
The setting of Zone 14 is starkly familiar and they execute every tenet of township existence down to a tee. The dialogue is on point and it is supported by great acting from the cast and direction from Adze Ugah. Ample example of kasi decorum was provided when King and Nina got married. The whole ceremony could have been taken from a real life ceremony.
Another ingredient that makes Zone 14 successful is that, despite the main characters, every show needs supporting characters who are out of the ordinary but nonetheless recognisable. Isidingo has Georgie Zamdela and uncle Badman, Emzini Wezinsizwa has the drunken oaf Sibeko and Zone 14 has Spinach and Popeye.
These characters, though not pivotal in driving the storyline forward, account for a large chunk of the show's viewership.
So every night when one is forced to watch (usually by a female partner) the languid and plastic existence of Generations it is comforting to seek solace in a gritty township tale.
Torso
Like they did with Muvhango, I suspect Zone 14 may be turned into a soapie.Report Abuse
CrazyMajor
PLEASE move Ganerations from the 8pm slot and giv it to Zone 14...........generations is just k*k to say the least!!!Report Abuse
texido
I agree with you Generations is really crap and black actors are really Bad, check the part of Zamani, Ajaz damn what a boring storyline. My Heart is with Zone 14 since it started way back and Yizo Yizo. i would like to say good work for Teboho Matlhatsi the producer of this seriesReport Abuse
MuAfrika
How can a repeat offer reprieve, are we that low in our expectations, AYBO! Sidlala ngexesha yazi!Report Abuse
zaman
zone 14 & generation is crab i,dont have time to watch this soapie lot on my plate,blacks repeat stories that,s make me sick.The foreigners are even better than us mzansi.Report Abuse
Lunga
I agree with zaman local stories sucks they don't have direction anymore. Thumbs up to e TV with their short stories they usually play at night like the one played last night called "i four room yami" that one had a meaning. Generations these days does not make sense. a bail of R250000?Report Abuse
Cutey
Ntate Moloi ... Kick's Sibusiso & Keneth ssssss when it comes to acting. Salute Baba MoloiReport Abuse