Showmax has just dropped the first episode of the highly anticipated show kuRuff, which spotlights the challenges of being the sole breadwinner in your family.
ALSO READ: Showmax & Moja Love partner on first reality series, kuRuff
The first collaboration between Showmax and Moja Love, kuRuff will release new episodes every Monday, first and only on Showmax.
In the first episode, we are introduced to Phumlani from Orlando East in Soweto, who wrote to the show to help him communicate his struggles with his family.
The 30-year-old shares that, although he works, he has no money and no assets because of the burden of black tax. “I do not just look after myself, but I have to look after multiple people in my family. Because I am the only one with a job, I have to pay for everything for everyone and that is taxing,” he shared.
“I do not have children of my own because I cannot afford to. Instead, I take care of the children in my family that are not biologically mine. I too would like to have children and start my family but I can’t because of the situation I am currently in; as soon as I start my own family, I would have to solely focus on them,” he explained.
Phumlani, who works at an insurance company, candidly broke down his R10 000 salary and expenses. “I pay R1 000 rent for myself. I pay another R1 000 for my aunt’s rent and another R1 000 for my mom’s rent. After that, I have to buy everyone groceries, which amounts to about R5 000. Already that is R8000. After those expenses, I still have to pay for my transport to work.
“It does not end there. I still have to send money back home to the homestead as there are children who need money, so after all these expenses, I end up with nothing each month. I do not even have a driver’s licence.”
Former child star Wright Ngubeni, who hosts kuRuff, facilitates a meeting between Phumlani and the family members he has issues with. In the meeting, Phumlani shares how he feels burdened and overwhelmed by the pressures of black tax.
After a heated conversation, Wright tries to help the complainant and their family to reach a resolution that will improve all of their lives in the long run.
“This topic is something that is very close to my heart,” says Wright. “This job as the host of kuRuff is an honour which I do not take lightly. We are helping people improve their lives through real change.”
The Soweto-born media star has been in the entertainment industry since the age of five and bagged his first presenting gig at the age of 10 when he was the host of SABC 2’s School TV.
Wright has also been in multiple films and series, including the recent award winner Kedibone.
Moja Love was named Coolest TV Channel of 2022 at The Sunday Times’ GenNext Survey, while Isencance Lengane was the most-watched reality show on DStv in March 2023.
This month, in addition to kuRuff, Showmax is also releasing two episodes per week of Ukungenwa S1 and Umndeni S2.
Ukungenwa looks at the age-old traditional practice that sees a young man inheriting his brother’s wife and children if he passes away. But what challenges does this bring to his existing wife? Season 1 joins Siyabonga Mhlongo and his blended family as MaMkhize and MaChunu try to find a way of co-existing when secrets are revealed.
Meanwhile, Umdeni follows Maseko, a man with two wives and five husbands, as he battles jealousy and resentment to achieve love and unity. Season 2 of Umndeni sees the Maseko family welcome a new member, Mpilo, while it’s the end of a journey for Colleen.
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