Grassroots is a South African teen drama series created and produced by Clive Morris Productions. It is an M-Net original production for Multichoice and DStv's One Magic and is a co-production with Naspers subscription video-on-demand service Showmax. The drama tells a coming-of-age story of two boys from the rural Eastern Cape who relocate to a boarding school in Johannesburg to follow their dreams of being rugby stars.^[1]

Plot

The drama tells the story of Monwabisi and Asanda, two boys from Butterworth whose families had a close business relationship and friendship. The tragic death of Monwabisi's father in the presence of Asanda's father on a construction site tears the families apart as suspicions of foul play come to surface.

In their late teens, Asanda is a rugby obsessed boy who has disappointed the traditionalist and community leader by turning his back on the initiation ceremony to play a match for his school team. In contrast, Monwabisi has completed the initiation ceremony, however he feels conflicted without his father by his side to guide him and as a result he struggles to become the man he must be. The two boys must put their differences aside to face their common foes.^[2]

According to the writers, the story is richly woven with the Xhosa traditions and explores the ageless themes of manhood. The story takes a modern-day approach on traditional customs and expectations.^[3]

References