Rest in peace Generations

THERE'S very little that gets Shwa down, but this Generations ordeal is enough to make even yours truly get in touch with her well-hidden emotions.

Tuesday marks the end of an era with the broadcast of the last episode of the soapie that has been around since Shwa was in pigtails.

We looked forward to 8pm, we sat in front of the TV, supper on our laps, and enjoyed the substandard drama that formed part of our daily routine.

This is the show that introduced us to the crème de la crème of South African actors. Who can ever forget the villainous Ntsiki, played by Pamela Nomvete? She kept us on the edge of our seats and we loved to hate her.

Connie Ferguson as Karabo was our local version of Brooke Forrester. And who can ever forget Dineo? She gave all the village bicycles hope. She dated every single man from Paul to Phenyo to Kenneth. You made Shwa and others feel good about our morals.

Oh, but Shwa feels particularly sad for Queen, aka Sophie Ndaba. Everyone she started out with went on to find other jobs. But not poor Sophie; and her acting is still, sadly, mediocre.

Just when the older generation was warming up to the idea of gay relationships, the SABC goes and take it off the screens. Now we have to start from scratch.

Shwa wonders if Atandwa Kani even got his first pay cheque, given that he was there for all of two minutes before getting fired.

They say Generations will come back, but it will never be the same. To paraphrase the honourable Mmusi Maimane: "I Generations ayisafani."

Rest in peace, Generations, the nation weeps.