The stage is set for a landmark theatrical experience. The South African State Theatre (SAST), in proud collaboration with the Dr TT Cholo Legacy Project, presents The Fatherland – an epic musical theatre celebration of courage, history, and the indomitable South African spirit.
Running from 10 October to 2 November 2025 at the Opera Theatre, this ground-breaking production brings to life the extraordinary story of Dr. Tlou Theophilus Cholo, a centenarian liberation veteran whose remarkable journey helped shape South Africa’s path to democracy.
Born in 1926 in Kgakana Village, Limpopo, Dr. Cholo’s legacy stretches across decades of struggle and sacrifice. From his early activism as a trade unionist and ANC youth leader, to becoming a founding cadre of uMkhonto we Sizwe, his story is a testament to resilience. His training in the USSR, China, and Tanzania, his daring yet thwarted re-entries into South Africa, and his imprisonment under the 1967 Terrorism Act – serving 16 years on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela – form the dramatic backdrop of The Fatherland. Upon his release in 1988, he co-founded the Association of Ex-Political Prisoners and continued his leadership in the ANC’s Soshanguve branch.
The Fatherland is more than theatre – it is a musical journey through time, fusing heartfelt storytelling with stirring original compositions. From the humble village landscapes to the stark cells of Robben Island, audiences will be immersed in Dr. Cholo’s inspiring odyssey of xile, endurance, and unwavering hope.
At the heart of the production, Terrence Ngwila delivers a powerful portrayal of Dr. TT Cholo, offering both gravitas and authenticity. Guiding this historic work is Mr. Aubrey Sekhabi, one of South Africa’s most celebrated directors. His visionary direction, combined with the exceptional musical talents of McKenzie Matome, Zakhele Mabena, and Shalate Sekhabi, and the masterful choreography of Thabo Rapoo, ensures a soul stirring theatrical experience. Together, they amplify the emotional resonance of this living monument to resilience, sacrifice, and triumph. As part of the production’s launch, the SA State Theatre, in partnership with Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the Tlou Cholo Foundation, will host the Dr. Tlou Cholo 4th Annual Legacy Lecture & The Fatherland Musical Launch on 11 October 2025 at the State Theatre. The event will feature Mr. Buti Manamela, Minister of Higher Education and Training, as the guest speaker.
Title: The Fatherland
Dates: 10 October – 2 November 2025
Time: 19:00
Venue: Opera Theatre, South African State Theatre
Tickets: R150 – R300 | Available at Webtickets and Pick n Pay outlets
With its poignant music, unforgettable performances, and a story etched into the fabric of South Africa’s history, The Fatherland is not just a musical – it is the defining theatrical experience of 2025, and a heartfelt celebration of Dr. TT Cholo’s extraordinary legacy.
