Entertainment
Watch: Leon Schuster responds to criticism surrounding Mama Jack
South African comedian and filmmaker Leon Schuster has revisited one of the most controversial chapters of his film career, defending his portrayal of Mama Jack despite criticism surrounding the character and the film’s use of blackface.
The 75-year-old entertainer recently spoke about the backlash during an interview with SABC News’ MorningLive, reflecting on why he considered Mama Jack one of his favourite characters despite the criticism it attracted.
The 2005 comedy, which featured Schuster disguising himself as a Black woman, has faced scrutiny over its portrayal of race, with critics arguing that the character reinforces harmful racial stereotypes and draws on problematic traditions associated with blackface.
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Leon Schuster gets candid with @LeanneManas. You don’t want to miss it!
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Schuster explains his connection to Mama Jack
During the interview, Schuster said he particularly enjoyed playing Mama Jack because he considered the character an endearing woman.
He also defended the film’s depiction of domestic workers living in separate accommodation on their employers’ properties, arguing that it reflected realities within South African households.
Schuster explained that he spent considerable time observing a domestic worker who worked for him at the time, studying her movements, mannerisms and everyday routines to develop the character.
He recalled learning how she walked, ironed clothes and went about her household responsibilities, even practising her distinctive walk while wearing a dress and high heels.
The comedian also described conducting an informal test in Cape Town, where he walked through the streets dressed as Mama Jack to see how people would respond.
According to Schuster, the positive reactions from people who interacted with him convinced him that audiences had connected with the character.
Why Mama Jack remains a controversial film
The renewed conversation around Schuster’s comments brings attention to a wider debate about South African comedy, representation and how older entertainment should be viewed today.
In June 2020, MultiChoice removed several of Schuster’s films from its platforms following renewed scrutiny of racially insensitive content during the global Black Lives Matter movement.
The controversy followed the death of George Floyd in the United States and brought greater attention to blackface, a practice in which non-Black performers use makeup or prosthetics to portray Black people.
Among the films affected were Mama Jack, Mr Bones, Mr Bones 2: Back from the Past, Sweet n Short and Oh Schucks, It’s Schuster.
Other titles included You Must Be Joking, You Must Be Joking Too and Schucks… Pay Back The Money!
MultiChoice revisits its decision
In 2025, Mybroadband reported MultiChoice lifted restrictions on some of Schuster’s older films, allowing them to return to DStv and the then-existing Showmax catalogue.
The original removals followed an internal content review, with the broadcaster explaining at the time that it wanted to ensure its platforms did not host material considered racially insensitive.
Showmax previously acknowledged that the films were products of their time and said they had been created with positive intentions, while maintaining that streaming platforms had a responsibility to consider the content they made available.
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