Emjindini is a South African television drama miniseries which revolves around a humble miner in a small town who stumbles upon a horde of gold coins, prompting the question: what if a man who's never had anything gets a chance to have all he's ever wanted?
The series seeks to answer that question while shining a light on the often ignored troubles faced by the working poor in the forgotten small towns of South Africa.
Emjindini was the third in a miniseries strand which aired on SABC1 in 2018, entitled "Woza Nazo", after Emoyeni and Side Dish.
Set in the historically significant mining town of Barberton, Mpumalanga, Emjindini follows Amos Shabangu (Freedom Mswane) as he works daily, chipping away at the walls of a 100-year-old mine, contributing to an economy that has constantly excluded him and his family.
By happenstance, Amos finds a bag of long-buried gold coins following an earth tremor brought on by his own negligence.
While the bag seems like the solutions to all his woes, Amos has to think on his feet when a naïve and overzealous colleague, an evil superior and a looming protest threaten his victory.
The series stars Freedom Mswane (Ashes to Ashes) as Amos, Sisanda Henna (Tsha Tsha) as Samson, Laki Khoza (After 9) as Darlington, Sthembile Mhlongo (Gospel Gold) as Nomvula, Nomalanga Nkosi (Scandal!) as Lesedi, Zimkitha Kumbaca (Matatiele) as Thembelihle and Zigi Ndlovu (Broken Vows) as Samora.
Emjindi was created, written, directed and edited by Magalela Mtshali and produced by Imagine Creative. The producers are Karabo Mtshali and Thulani Ngcwabe and the head writer is Ayanda Hamilana.
The directors are Magalela Mtshali and Reabetswe Moeti. The title music is by Sibusile Xaba, with additional music by Khobi King, Pillztitan, Bugzito, Hlabangani Mtshali and Zulu Government.
The series was partially shot on location in Barberton, in the township of Emjindini. The working title of the show was "Digger in the Dark", which became the title of the first episode.