Karabo Lediga pays tribute to her larger-than-life mom in heartfelt new film Sabbatical

News24

08-05-2025

Upcoming film, Sabbatical, starring Mona Monyane and Clementine Mosimane, unravels the tense yet touching relationship between a Pretoria mother and daughter.
Coming to screens this Mother's Day weekend, the film is inspired by takeaways from director Karabo Lediga's relationship with her larger-than-life mother, Kgomotso Lediga.
Imparting pearls of wisdom, the filmmaker emphasised the importance of daughters being honest with their mothers, stressing that 'secrets don't really work'.
Accomplished writer and producer Karabo Lediga, known for partnering with her Emmy-nominated sibling Kagiso Lediga through his Diprente production company, has unveiled her proudest work yet as a director in the upcoming film Sabbatical.
Filmed across Pretoria and Johannesburg, this dramatic comedy will hit theatres on Friday, 9 May, perfectly timed for the Mother's Day weekend. The film stars Mona Monyane and Clementine Mosimane as mother-daughter duo Lesego and Doris Tau.
Synopsis:
Lesego, a banker, returns unannounced to her childhood home and her overbearing mother, whom she hardly visits. Unbeknownst to her mother, a life-changing secret brought her back, threatening to upend their fragile relationship forever.
Described by Karabo as 'a very dramatic yet honest and funny portrayal of a black mother and daughter,' Sabbatical provides an unflinching glimpse into family dynamics and generational tension. Speaking to News24 about the film during its screening at Montecasino on Tuesday, she linked the Pretoria-based narrative closely to her own experiences:
'It's very much Pretoria-based – it's very much my voice as somebody from Soshanguve, Atteridgeville and Akasia as well,' Karabo said at the movie's screening on Tuesday evening at Monte Casino.
A look at the red carpet from the screening:
Karabo revealed that much of her inspiration for the film came from her dynamic with her own mother, Kgomotso Lediga, and even her mother's friends.
'My mom is a very big character – she's almost like a movie character. It's always interesting watching her, her friends and the stuff that happens around her, so I would always take some stuff from them,' she said.
I'm blessed with an interesting mom, so the story kind of asked to be told, you know – mom and daughters have this conflict, and I don't know how to explain it. I have nothing against her, but we clash, and I found those clashes interesting and worthy of telling.
With days to go until the film's premiere, Karabo hopes Sabbatical will inspire dialogue between mothers and daughters about the power of honesty. This heartfelt takeaway is wrapped in humour and drama, making the film an emotional tribute to familial bonds.
'Be honest with your mothers. Find a way to talk respectfully, you know. Secrets don't really work. But, overall, there's an interesting conversation about truthfulness to be had with our mothers,' she said.
Collaborating with her brother once more on the production, Karabo said their dynamics had matured over the years after starting off with petty fights. The siblings have previously teamed up for productions such as Queen Sono and The Pure Monate Show, among others. Kagiso served as the producer on the film.
'We've been working together for many years, and now it feels like we are creative partners. I lean on him a lot for creative decisions as well – even though I usually get my way, I always need some advice, and he and his partner, Tamsin Andersson, are really good at producing. They have really good taste,' Karabo said.
Reflecting on her daughter's achievements, mom Kgomotso expressed overflowing pride:
'I never thought she would reach this, but because I saw her growing and growing, I'm so proud. I feel so great,' she said.
An honest celebration and reflection of the complexities of motherhood and daughterhood through a humorous yet healing lens, Sabbatical is a must-watch this Mother's Day weekend.