Tsotsi families over the moon
2006-03-06 17:02
Mafikeng - The sleepy village of Phola outside Mafikeng came to life on Monday when residents gathered at Presley Chweneyagae's home to join his family in celebrating the film, Tsotsi, winning an Oscar.
Presley plays the lead role in the South African feature film, which scooped the coveted award in Los Angeles, in America, on Sunday night.
Tsotsi was nominated in the foreign-language film category along with Paradise Now (Palestine), Joyeux Noel (France), The Final Days (Germany) and Don't Tell (Italy).
The film tells the story of a township thug, "Tsotsi", who learns to take care of an infant whose mother he shot during a car hijacking.
Caring for the child gradually repairs Tsotsi's broken spirit.
Keokakile Chweneyagae, Presley's mother, says she's proud of her son's achievement.
Watched the live broadcast
"We hardly slept last night. We were praying hard before the broadcast and Presley called me immediately after they won the award to tell me the good news," she said.
The Chweneyagaes watched the live broadcast of the award ceremony at a family friend's home in Mmabatho.
The star's mother said she was also grateful to the local community for showing support.
Nozipho Ngqobe, the mother of Zenzo, who also hails from Mafikeng and stars in the movie as the bloodthirsty Butcher, was equally over the moon.
"I have been crying tears of joy since Zenzo called me from the USA this morning to break the news," she said.
Meanwhile, North West Premier Edna Molewa has congratulated both the cast and the crew of Tsotsi.
Premier Molewa said she was particularly proud of Presley and Zenzo.
"These young men have put our city, our province and our country firmly on the world map.
"The North West and its people are extremely proud of this achievement and would like to join other South Africans in congratulating them," said the premier.
A "resounding welcome" awaits Presley and Zenzo, who are expected back in the province later this week.
Based on Athol Fugard novel
Tsotsi is directed by Gavin Hood and co-produced by Paul Raleigh and the United Kingdom's Peter Fudakowski.
The movie is based on a novel by another great South African playwright, Athol Fugard, and is said to be putting "a human face on the victims and perpetrators of crime".
The plot is set in the 60s, but transposed to the present times and its genuineness is enhanced by the use of township lingua franca or "tsotsi taal". - BuaNews