A recent episode depicted the passing of Mama Jane, played by triple Saftas winner Nthati Moshesh.
Moshesh was drawn to the role of Mama Jane due to the opportunity to portray dementia - a condition rarely featured in media.
In an interview with Zibuyile Dladla, she said: “The Mama Jane character gave me the opportunity to do thorough research about dementia and it broadened my understanding of the condition.”
She hopes Mama Jane’s storyline will open up conversations about the effects of dementia in black communities and how we plan to educate ourselves about this condition.
Moshesh also connected personally with the show’s setting. Her family’s ties to the Vaal, where her father worked at Sebokeng Hospital and her mother was a social worker, made“ 016FM” particularly resonant for her.
She believes her parents would have been touched by the show.
The role of Mama Jane allowed Moshesh to reflect on her views of death. Having experienced the loss of significant loved ones, she now approaches grief with a renewed perspective.
“I’ve lost four very significant people in my life: my parents, my sister-in-law and my brother. So I now approach death differently. I approach it with love because I now view grief as a form of love,“ she said.
Although Moshesh did not act alongside Mpho Sebeng, she fondly remembers his vibrant energy and significant impact on the industry.
“Memories of that young man are always joyful. Mpho was such a fun ball of energy and he was truly such a breath of fresh air,“ she said.
“He was a person who made people’s lives a lot easier or more palatable because he lived! We knew Mpho was loved, but we had no idea how much. Now that love for him is on ‘016FM’ - it’s a tribute to him and that’s how we’re going to remember Mpho.”
The show has gained praise for its authentic portrayal of life in the Vaal, with many viewers appreciating its gritty realism and insight into the local community’s struggles and triumphs.
However, some criticisms have emerged, with viewers arguing that the show perpetuates stereotypes and fails to capture the full diversity of the Vaal.
Concerns have been raised about the authenticity of the characters and dialect, with some feeling that the show does not accurately reflect the complexities of life in the region.
Moshesh highlights the show’s celebration of young talent, noting, “Please watch it for the young talent that is on the show. There is a bright future for all our youngins out there and it shows on ‘016FM’ .
“Shows like this are a constant reminder that there is so much that our young talent has to offer.”
She also sees the show as a warm reminder of the integral role radio has played in her life.
“My love for acting began because we used to listen to radio dramas as a family; it used to be a highlight for any black family in the township,” she said.
Moshesh dedicated her reflections on the show to her younger sister, Nkikia Nosipho Moshesh, who recently passed away.
∎ “016FM” is streaming on Showmax.