The first drama series in the Otjiherero/Mbanderu language, Kandu ka Tandaa, recently hit the airwaves on Botswana Television (BTV1) and has proven to be an instant hit among viewers. It has also captivated Namibian viewers who are demanding for it to air on the national broadcaster, Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).
The 26-episode series, which focuses on the enduring complexities of arranged marriages, was created by visionary filmmaker and actress, Winnie Utaka Tjienda of Kanakandje Films, and delves into the heart of cultural traditions and their clash with modern aspirations, offering a poignant exploration of societal expectations of the OvaHerero and Mbanderu tribes through edutainment.
Speaking to Confidente, Tjienda – who is fast becoming a household name in the film industry in Botswana – shared her experience as a script writer and her intentions to work with Namibian actors and film producers. As an actress herself, with leading roles in productions including Definitions, Ya le nna Nigeria, Worth the Wait and Matsale, Tjienda’s vision is amplified by how she managed to incorporate Namibia into scenes, creating opportunity for collaboration in the near future, while grounding the drama in cultural authenticity.
“In Season One, I intentionally linked Kandu ka Tandaa with Namibia. There’s a scene of someone who decided to go back to Namibia, who came back to Botswana for a friend’s funeral. This opens doors to introduce Namibian actors in the following seasons.
I love how Namibian Hereros are expressive and I would love to work with local Namibian actors,” Tjienda expressed.
Since its premier on BTV1 in late December 2024, short promotional clips of the show have been trending on social media, sparking high demand from Namibians based locally and abroad to stream the series online.
Tjienda explained that due to contractual obligations with BTV, the series cannot be streamed on online platforms, however, adding that her team is working tirelessly to have Kandu ka Tandaa aired locally on NBC.
“Unfortunately, we cannot stream Kandu ka Tandaa online via Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter), or TikTok or YouTube, because it’s against contractual agreements. Bear with me. We are working around the clock to bring Kandu ka Tandaa to NBC,” she pleaded with her Namibian followers.
Tjienda, who originates from Ghanzi where the Herero/Mbanderu culture in Botswana is deeply rooted and borders Namibia, shared that she felt obligated to address the aspect of arranged marriages within the Herero/Mbanderu traditions, although less common today, as a method of preserving cultural identity while equally embracing modern progress.
The series was however, mostly shot in Gaborone and Dikgatlhong and fuses in the coexistence of the OvaHerero/Mbanderu with other tribes in Botswana. Most of the script follows two couples who find themselves in love triangles after getting entangled with lovers, other than the once that had been pre-arranged for them since childhood.
“I intended to weave in tension through generational divides, which cover both the positive and the downside of arranged marriages. While some scenes embody the older guard’s reverence for custom, others represent the progressive ideals of Botswana’s youth,” she remarked.
Regarding cultural authenticity, Tjienda, who spent months interviewing cultural experts, explains, “There is no way I could have written a project of this magnitude without collaborating or consulting with knowledgeable, respected community elders. From pre-production stage, which is like the writing phase, I needed insights. I needed advice because there were scenes that I couldn’t just get out of my imagination.
As much as we are storytelling and we’d want to go wild, we want to also be accurate and we want to produce authentic content,” she ensured.
Tjienda’s work positions Kanakandje Films as a bold voice in African storytelling, unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths. Airing every Sunday on BTv1 at 18h00, Kandu ka Tandaa is more than a drama – it is a possible gateway that could revolutionize the Namibian local film industry through showcasing well sought-after local content.