The laughter, chaos and drama of KuGompo City’s school life takes centre stage in Montywood’s latest comedy sitcom, Class of 2025, a production that blends old-school classroom experiences with modern-day pupil culture, while shining a spotlight on Eastern Cape talent.
Produced by the KuGompo-based film company, the series follows the daily antics of pupils and educators at a local high school, where ambition, mischief and larger-than-life personalities collide.
With two episodes already available on Montywood’s digital platform, the production team said the response from viewers had been encouraging.
Traditional marketing media officer Simphiwe Ndoda told the Go! on Tuesday the concept was inspired by the desire to combine different generations of school experiences into one entertaining story.
“We wanted to demonstrate the variety of characters and the behaviour of pupils from the late 1990s and today’s learners.
“We combined the old generation with the new generation to modernise the story and create more drama,” he said.
At the heart of the sitcom is teacher [Cebo Ndzimela], whose dream of becoming school principal is constantly challenged by the colourful personalities around him.
Among them are strict deputy principal [Chule Novukela], caretaker Jackie Chan [Khanya Mkubelo], fashion-conscious pupil Sesona [Mbali Myataza], outspoken activist Lumumba [Yamkela Maduya], academically gifted but clumsy Sakhumzi [Bongumsa Msophi], deeply religious Nonkoliseko [Endinako Mabhi] and notorious bully Skara [Siphamandla Mqeni].
Other characters are Jabu [Sinothando Alvin], Lerato [Ayabonga Dabe], Likhona [Slindile Pauso], Mancane [Mehluko Dyubula], Sbulele [Kabelo Mmakola], and Mathausand [Xolisa Ntakazo].
Ndoda said the sitcom reflected the everyday realities found in many SA schools.
“Every school has its own stories and challenges,” he said.
“Teachers work hard to be recognised while learners often become the centre of everything that happens at school.
“There are mischievous learners, disciplined learners and those who behave differently when no teacher is around. It gives a true reflection of what teachers go through every day.”
He believes many viewers will recognise familiar personalities in the characters portrayed on screen.
“Skara is a learner who has repeated several grades and bullies new pupils, demanding money from them.
“Many people will relate to someone like him. Then there is Nonkoliseko, who is deeply spiritual but struggles academically, Sakhumzi, who is brilliant despite being clumsy, and Sesona, who uses her beauty to influence teachers.”
Beyond the laughs, Class of 2025 explores themes including peer pressure, rule-breaking, reckless behaviour, and the consequences of poor decisions, while presenting them through humour.
Ndoda said Montywood also wanted the production to create opportunities for local creatives and strengthen the province’s film industry.
Though only two episodes have been released, Ndoda said audience feedback had been positive and the team hoped to reach an even wider audience as the series grew.
“The response has been good so far. We believe the drama has the potential to market itself because of its humour, relatable characters and unique twist. There are many more exciting stories still to come.”
Viewers can watch Class of 2025 by subscribing to Montywood’s YouTube online streaming platform.
