Utatakho is a South African docu-reality television series produced by Connect TV which is focused on resolving issues of paternity using DNA testing, allowing the individuals involved the opportunity to answer questions of parentage that they have been unable to answer before.
Genetic discovery and the search for identity are the twin themes at the heart of the series, which is hosted by musician, poet, actor and presenter Bonginkosi 'Zola' Dlamini (Episode 1-8) and presenter Nimrod Nkosi (Episode 9-), who takes on the roles of mediator and investigator.
Utatakho is centered on bringing resolution and understanding to the difficult topic of absent fathers. Using in-depth interviews, the series explores the motivations, doubts and hopes of the three most central people in each episode – father, mother and child.
Whether it's a father who refuses to acknowledge his child, a mother who wants to prove her child's father is the man she has named, or even an adult simply wanting to know who their dad is - Utatakho will try to help.
From meeting each of the people involved and hearing their story to facilitating a DNA test and delivering the final results with the help of a counselling psychologist, in each episode the show strives to encourage union, dialogue and a positive way forward in each case that it spotlights.
The series highlights a prominent social issue that affects many across this country. The series was not designed to deal with the topics of maintenance and fiscal arrangements for child rearing, but more to give closure to those who simply want to know how and if they are related to each other.
The show aims to show viewers that using a combination of science and respect, we can have meaningful conversations about paternity, family, future.
Utatakho is produced for Mzansi Magic by Connect TV with executive producers Clifford Elk, Basetsana Kumalo and Kopano Gelman. The original concept was by Shitshembiso Mabasa.
Casting Notes
Bonginkosi Dlamini, better known by his stage name Zola, hosted the first eight episodes of Season 1, abruptly ending his contract before the first season had finished.
He was replaced for the final five episodes by Nimrod Nkosi, who continued to host the show until Season 8.
Nkosi was replaced in Season 9 by Nonkanyiso Conco.
Broadcast Notes
Utatakho originally aired on Mzansi Magic on Tuesdays at 19h30. After Episode 8 (which aired on Tuesday 25 August, 2015) it moved half an hour later to Tuesdays at 20h00, beginning with Episode 9 (on 1 September).
This was to accommodate the telenovela The Road in the 19h30 timeslot.
The first 13 episodes of Season 1 aired on Mzansi Wethu on Thursdays at 20h00. It moved an hour earlier to Thursdays at 19h00 beginning with Episode 14 (which aired on 9 March, 2017).