The process of dealing with problems

Explains Pontsho Makhetha, editor at SABC Education, "The family in African culture has historically been a strong, supportive unit where everyone took responsibility for each other. When a child was born, it had grandparents, uncles and aunts who took responsibility for the development and values instilled in the child. This no longer exists, there is a gap; the family support system has disappeared.

"Molato ke eng? is about intervening and facilitating discussion and reconciliation between estranged family members who are looking for help. It is about providing solutions to conflicts when families are not sure how and where to look for help."

Thirteen episodes of Molato ke eng?, to be broadcast in a mix of isiZulu, seSotho and seTswana, is scheduled for broadcast on Saturdays at 10am, starting 7 October 2006, on SABC 2.

Presenter Limakatso Manotwane enters the families' world and tries to understand the real issue causing the problem. Often the issue introduced becomes something else because the real problem is not visible upfront but is a deeply buried problem. Through a process of questioning, discussion, sometimes shouting and walking out, the real deal is unpacked and is sometimes the cause of family members not speaking for years.

"In identifying solutions, we used experts to show the families how they got to where they are and what the steps can be taken to help themselves. Our resident psychologist Tumi Diale guides families into not feeling hopeless and helpless. Often the simple act of talking, understanding and accepting the behaviour of others can be empowering and fulfilling," comments Pontsho.