Celebrate the holidays with African Mother Christmas, a truly local story from African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Valley of a Thousand Hills, near Hillcrest outside Durban, this uplifting story reflects the hot KZN summers, the end of the school year, and the excitement of Christmas festivities.

Thando and Buntu love the long summer days swimming in the river and taking the train to Durban for Christmas shopping—a cherished tradition and the only time they get new clothes.

But this Christmas holds a magical surprise, as African Mother Christmas brings joy and wonder to the valley in a way no one could expect.

“This special story was inspired by our own African way of life in the not-so-distant past, where we celebrated the end of harvest in late August, and September was our New Year in the African calendar. We would be giving thanks for the richness and fertility of our land,” says Gcina Mhlophe.

Listen to this episode now in English or isiZulu and share this special festive story with your family!



Episode 3 Credits:



Author and Storyteller: Gcina Mhlophe

Voice of Thando: Snovuyo Ntuli

Voice of Thando's Father & Rickshaw man: Sky Tshabalala

Voice of Father Christmas: Darren Maule

Voice of Durban store owner: Carmen Reddy



Production Team:



Production Engineer: Lango Cele

Production Assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile

Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson ECR website channel page