THE RIGHT TIME – A STORY OF FOUR PREGNANCIES

 

The Right Time is a statement on the problems facing young Blacks growing up and approaching adulthood in the environment created by the South African "township" situation - (pre-1984).

 

Focusing on the phenomenon of unwanted teenage pregnancies

the documentary unfolds through the dramatisation of four

representative case histories.

 

In this way the total spectrum of contributing factors – from the breakdown in parent-child communication to the aggravating effect of migratory labour and the stablishment

of single-sex male hostels in townships - is presented.

 

With the exception of professional actor, Sam Williams, all roles are played by members of the communities in which the dramatisation is set.

The issues presented and the overall content and final message of the film all arise from intensive workshopping sessions held over a period of many months with the committee and members of the Merlen House Youth Centre in Johannesburg.

 

Professional and adult opinion was drawn from the educators and associated medical staff of the Merlen House Family Planning Centre who are themselves members of the township community.

"The Right Time", sets out to investigate the problem of the high rate of unwanted teenage pregnancies in the Black "township" situation from the viewpoint of the communities directly affected by this phenomenon and its associated issues.

 

Reflecting on the environment out of which these issues arise the documentary offers a penetrating look at-pre-1984 - in the townships.