Lerato Matheka
MASERU — A local non-governmental organisation has produced a television drama to help in the fight against Aids.
The four-episode drama titled Khetho ea ka which encourages people to change their sexual behaviour is now being screened on Lesotho Television.
It deals with the dangers of having multiple sexual partners.
Made by Mantsopa Communications, the drama features the likes of Bofihla ‘Neko of Lilaphalapha, Motloka Ramonono and Shoaepane Sehashe among other prominent local actors.
‘Mantsopa Communications’ Siziwe Mpopo said the drama took almost six months before it hit the screens.
“The film’s production and its script were motivated by a behaviour change communications research,” she said.
Mpopo said the company was engaged by the National Aids Commission (NAC) to produce a film that encourages people to change their sexual behaviour as part of efforts to reduce the spread of Aids.
The film targets teenagers, youth, women and men of reproductive age, sex workers, migrant workers, herd boys and homosexuals.
“The drama does not only raise awareness on behavioural change but also how transsexual relationships negatively affect society,” Mpopo said.
“It focuses on men who engage in homosexuality relationships while dating women on the other hand. It exposes the danger of the two relationships and how HIV can be transmitted.”
Mpopo added that the film also tackles different issues in our everyday lives.
“We are not supporting or rejecting anything but merely alerting the public to the facts of life.”
Khetho ea ka features an all Basotho cast of over 100 people.
“We held auditions last December to recruit strong characters who could fit perfectly in their roles,” Mpopo said.
Mpopo said ‘Mantsopa Communications is also producing a radio drama titled Ha le likela, which is nearing completion.
“Following the release of Khetho ea ka, we are going to release a radio drama with 30 episodes.
“The radio drama has the same objective of creating awareness on behaviour change,” she added.
Mpopo said the drama productions were meant to create awareness on HIV and all issues surrounding it.
“We hope to motivate behaviour change among all the age groups and the target markets we were looking at,” she said.
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