Johannesburg – Monday, 7 April 2025 – RSG’s brand new afternoon drama series, Sending van Vêr, has been specially developed and written by Eben Cruywagen to celebrate 100 years of Afrikaans.
Listeners can tune in from 7 April 2025 every weekday at 14:45 (except on 18 April, Good Friday) for 23 episodes. The final episode will broadcast on 8 May 2025, the day Afrikaans celebrates its centenary as an official language.
Since May 2024, RSG has been creating content leading up to the ‘Afrikaans 100’ celebrations. As part of this initiative, Eben Cruywagen was commissioned to adapt a series of classic stories and create new ones that reflect the rich history and versatility of Afrikaans. Several of these adaptations are already available as podcasts:
· Die Sprinkaanbeampte van Sluis – Listen here
· Ou Leeumelker – Listen here
· Gelykheid en Broederskap – Listen here
A Tribute to Afrikaans’ power of imagination
Eben Cruywagen explains:
“With this series, I wanted to showcase the creativity, versatility, and adaptability of the Afrikaans language, as well as its ability to create neologisms—even in a quasi-scientific realm, such as in the distant future in a galaxy far, far away, to borrow George Lucas’s famous Star Wars introduction. Languages that are literally hundreds of years older than Afrikaans, like the West Germanic languages German and Dutch, are slow to develop neologisms. However, in Afrikaans, if we can’t come up with an appropriate new word, we reshape foreign words in such a way that they become authentically Afrikaans! I hope that listeners experience this story as a fun exploration of the wonder of the Afrikaans language. (And may this precious language of ours one day achieve Intergalactic status…!).”
Eben’s inspiration starts with:
“C.J. Langenhoven’s Loeloeraai, published in 1923 by Nasionale Pers Beperk, which is widely regarded as the very first science fiction story in Afrikaans. As one of the major figures in securing Afrikaans as an official language, this story is also a tribute to C.J. Langenhoven’s significant contribution as a champion of the language. Although Sending van Ver is not a direct adaptation of Langenhoven’s story, it does in some respects freely draw from its themes. The story even takes a detour to Oudtshoorn in 1923, where Loeloeraai makes his earthly visit to Neelsie, Vroutjie, Engela, and Oom Stoffel—complete with Jakhals, the sheepdog, and Herrie, the elephant.”
A Space Journey Through Time and Language
Director Johan Rademan brings this ambitious radio drama to life:
“Like Loeloeraai in 1923, Sending van Vêr is a ground-breaking literary treasure. Cruywagen skilfully uses dialogue as an educational tool—not only to engage with the current discourse on language and its 100-year journey but also to dissect and project bold assumptions and conclusions.
A Star Wars-like spectacle is created, complete with a unique, time-space-specific linguistic system that unfolds across geography and time. How better to portray history and geography to the modern ear? The true test lies in a compelling, executable short serial drama, brought to life by an outstanding cast of radio actors.”
A Star Wars-like spectacle is created, complete with a unique, time-space-specific linguistic system that unfolds across geography and time. How better to portray history and geography to the modern ear? The true test lies in a compelling, executable short serial drama, brought to life by an outstanding cast of radio actors.”
The Story
In Sending van Ver, Loeloeraai (DeKlerk Oelofse) travels from a galaxy far, far away to our universe. Under the guise of cultural cooperation, these visitors are searching for vital resources to ensure the survival of their own planet. Unaware of this hidden agenda, Loeloeraai focuses on Sagmoedige Neelsie (André Terblanche) and his quest to have Afrikaans recognized as an official language. This journey leads him to 1997, where he meets Didius Deelman (Enrico Hartzenberg), an enthusiastic young spaceflight enthusiast studying at Stellenbosch University.
However, Loeloeraai’s visit has another purpose: he is searching for a secret agent from the future, disguised as a geneticist (Wilhelm van der Walt), who is attempting to eliminate the gene responsible for human speech. Without communication, there can be no progress – making it easier to exploit the planet’s resources. Didius becomes involved in the mission, and due to unforeseen circumstances, they accidentally travel 3,000 years into the future.
There, they discover a devastated Taalmonument (Language Monument) and a world where people are impoverished, homeless, and mute – the geneticist has succeeded in his mission!
In a desperate attempt to change the course of history, Loeloeraai and his companions return to 1997, where they successfully stop the geneticist and restore the future. When they revisit the Taalmonument on 8 May 5025, they are amazed to find the grand Intergalactic Language Institute. Afrikaans has officially become an intergalactic language!
Star-Studded Cast
This production features an impressive cast, including:
- DeKlerk Oelofse as Loeloeraai
- Anrich Herbst as Commander Watwo
- Maria Vos as Cleoz
- André Terblanche as Kerneels / Neelsie
- Ilne Fourie as Vroutjie / Lenie
- Jane de Wet as Engela
- Johann Nel as Oom Stoffel
- Enrico Hartzenberg as Didius Deelman
- Sharfa du Plessis as Bonita February
- Pieter van Zyl as Emperor Maksor
- Jacques Bessenger as Captain Malfor
- Wilhelm van der Walt as Professor Provo van Thijn / Rascha Dumwar
Listen to Sending van Vêr
The first episode of Sending van Vêr airs on 7 April 2025 at 14:45 and continues every weekday until 8 May 2025 on RSG and rsg.co.za. Episodes will also be available as podcasts.
Don’t miss this unique journey through time and language! Tune in to RSG for a story that will take your imagination on a journey… perhaps even to the intergalactic future!
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Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)
ngubanemv@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590
