Khalamdumbadumbane
Khalamdumbadumbane was a popular radio show in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) with the state-owned Swaziland Broadcasting and Information Services (SBIS) radio station in Mbabane.[1] Hosted by the legendary Swazi traditionalist, Jim ‘Mbhokane’ Gama and the royalist Bongani 'Sgcokosiyancinca' Dlamini,[2] the show gained widespread recognition for its educational content and cultural insights and humour both in Eswatini and South Africa, particularly amongst Siswati speakers. It was canned in 2011 following the death of Gama.[1][3]
| Genre | Educational, cultural, language |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Eswatini |
| Language(s) | Siswati |
| Hosted by | Jim ‘Mbhokane’ Gama, Bongani Sgcokosiyancinca Dlamini |
| Original release | 1980s |
The show was beloved for its straightforward approach to explaining the complexities of the Swazi culture, making it an essential part of Eswatini's radio history.
History
[edit]It was started by Jim 'Mbhokane' Gama in the 1980s with Bongani 'Sgcokosiyancinca' Dlamini, a nephew of Prince Bhekimpi Dlamini, a prominent member of the Dlamini royal family who served as Eswatini prime minister and Chief of Nkhaba. Both Mbhokane and Sgcokosiyancinca were employed at the government-owned SBIS. Gama was employed as a technician for the radio station and Dlamini as a studio operator and they decided to start the Khalamdumbadumbane.[4]
It was a hit from its inception, for its ability to present complex cultural concepts in simple terms and solve the problems using traditional advice rooted in the history of how the Swazi people handled problems.[5] It went off air following the death of Mbhokane in March 2011.[1] In October 2011, Sgcokosiyancinca was appointed as the CEO of Swazi TV.[6] He died of COVID-19 in August 2021.[7]
Criticisms
[edit]Despite its educational value, Khalamdumbadumbane faced criticisms from women’s empowerment groups, particularly for its perceived sexist approach to certain societal issues in which women are presented as subjects of men and had no rights to choose not to be in polygamous marriages, especially in the face of risks of HIV infections.[8] Some of the language and themes discussed on the show were seen as reinforcing traditional gender stereotypes. These controversies were noted on Gama, and the show occasionally sparked public debate about the role of traditional media in shaping societal views.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Khalamdumbadumbane at risk of being off-air, Times of Swaziland, 23 March 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2025
- ^ Mbhokane overcome by emotions, Times (Swaziland), 20 March 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2025
- ^ Former Swazi TV CEO dies from COVID, Swaziland News, 20 August 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2025
- ^ About Bongani Sgcokosiyancinca Dlamini, Times of eSwatini, 30 August 2021. Page 3
- ^ Masango, Pholile. Mind your language, Times of Swaziland, retrieved 8 April 2025
- ^ Bongani Dlamini is new CEO of Swazi TV, Times of Swaziland. Retrieved 23 April 2025
- ^ Ex-Swazi TV CEO Bongani ‘Sigcokosiyancinca’ Dlamini dies of COVID-19, Swaziland News, retrieved 23 April 2025
- ^ "African Monarchy Sparks a Debate over AIDS and Sex". The Wall Street Journal. December 20, 2006.
- ^ Gays, pastors walk hand in hand into the sunset, Eswatini Observer, 17 August 2018. Retrieved 8 April 2025