Joe Blog

Have You Seen Zandile? is a heartfelt and poignant story about eight-year-old girl; Zandile, who lives happily with her beloved Gogo in Durban. Her peaceful life is shattered when she is abruptly taken to the rural Transkei by her mother, who insists she follow a traditional path: no education, hard labour, and early marriage. As Zandile navigates the challenges of her new life, she contends with the loss of her grandmother’s nurturing presence, her own personal growth, and the rigid societal expectations placed upon her.
Set against the backdrop of financial hardship and political unrest, Zandile’s story reveals the complexities of love, the pain of broken dreams, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Through song, laughter, and raw emotion, the play explores themes of family, identity, and resilience. First performed in 1986 at The Market Theatre, Have You Seen Zandile? continues to resonate with audiences as a powerful reflection on tradition, freedom, and the choices that shape our lives.