South Africa has eleven official languages but some languages are seen to be more “equal” than others. Whilst isiZulu and isiXhosa are perhaps the more widely spoken of the Bantu languages, TshiVenda and Xitsonga, languages spoken in the eastern parts of South Africa, are often marginalized.
Giyani: Land of Blood, makes a historic landmark for Xitsonga people with the first Xitsonga telenovella, that aired for first time ever last night.
The telenovella is set in a fictional village called Risinga in the real town of Giyani which is in the eastern province of Limpopo. The plot, which is often the case in many South African dramas, centers on a conflict between two powerful families who have been warring over land and the banana plantation built on that land for decades.
Giyani: Land of Blood stars famed Yvonne Chaka Chaka and actor Obed Baloyi among many others. The telenovella has been endorsed by “Huku” singer Sho Madjozi and President Cyril Ramaphosa who both hail from Limpopo.
And even with some local ZAlebs endorsing it, those who tuned into the show yesterday are already obsessed.
On socials it looked like all the Xitsonga people were loud and proud of their heritage.
To be honest, we’re feeling a little FOMO on this side. If you missed out on the series make sure to catch the next episode and join in the hype. We sure will.
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Main Image Credit: Twitter
