Season 1
Giyani - Land of Blood is a South African, Xitsonga-language telenovela set in Giyani in Limpopo Province which brings to life the conflict of two families locked in a bitter, decades-long squabble over a contested piece of fertile land and the banana plantation built on it.
The series opens with a jubilant celebration of the land being returned to the community as a result of a successful land restitution claim.
Under the Apartheid regime, the land had been assigned to the Van Reenen family who had built their considerable wealth through the banana plantation, which supplied every major supermarket in South Africa.
The farm, reclaimed by the community, is renamed Tiakeni – a Xitsonga phrase meaning "Build Yourselves" - in tribute to the community's perseverance and success in taking back their land.
The series brings to life the ageless themes of love rivalries, forbidden passion, stolen land and corruption.
The story is centered around the conflict between the Mudau and Baloyi families and set in the fictional village of Risinga.
The series stars Charles Baloyi, Linah Ebony Ngcobo, Fumani Shilubana, Wiseman Zitha, Obed Baloyi and Mathabo Mothibe, with Ndivhuho Mutsila and Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
Giyani - Land of Blood was created, written and executive produced by Phathutshedzo Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon of Tshedza Pictures. The first episode was directed by Zolani Phakade.
The theme song is composed and performed by Dr. Thomas Chauke and the Shinyori Sisters. Original music is by Brendan Jury.
Shot partly on location in Giyani, Limpopo and on set in Johannesburg, Giyani – Land of Blood is the first ever Xitsonga-language television drama.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Charles Baloyi ... Gezani Mike Baloyi
Linah Ebony Ngcobo ... Thulare Tsakani Baloyi
Fumani Shilubana ... Vukosi Moyo
Wiseman Zitha ... Musawahosi Baloyi
Obed Baloyi ... Hlengani Joseph Chavalala
Mathabo Mothibe ... Khensani Mudau
with Ndivhuho Mutsila ... Richard Mudau
and Yvonne Chaka Chaka ... Gladys Mudau
Recurring / Guests
Leti Ndubane ... Esther (as Nyeleti Ndubane)
Noel Ntshuxeko ... Mahlori Pero Baloyi
Glennis Mabuza ... Kokwana Chavalala
Suzan Nkuzana ... Ringani Ruth Chavalala
Themba Hlongwane ... Johnny Risenga Homu
Candy Mokwena ... Dayina Topisa Homu
Nyeleti Khoza ... Tiyiselani Mabasa
Siphosethu Sihlangu ... Cawuke
Lesley Khoza ... Detective Collen
Sydney Baloyi ... Radio DJ
Leah Makgabo ... Magistrate
Marriot Knuna ... MC
Sammy Nthoke ... Police Officer
Dr. Thomas Chauke ... Guest Performer
Shinyori Sisters ... Guest Performer
Esther Rabela Maluleke ... MEC
Tiyiselani Chauke ... Croc
Tshepang Selapyana ... Magwinya
Richard Mashimbyi ... Co-Host
Solomon Mashele ... Traditional Healer
Ntombi Madima ... Doctor
Nico Mkhabele ... Mayor / Former Mayor
Matimba Mabunda ... Fanisa
Thulile Makondo ... Hosikati Mahlenga
Vuyelo Mabundza ... Michael Gezani
Hastings Muravha ... Border Post Officer
Basil Ndhlovu ... Felix Chacha
Musa Nyathi ... Comrade 1
Kenneth Maluleka ... Comrade 2
Andrew Stock ... Colonel Jonkers
Tintswalo Mushwana ... Visinha
Candy Moloi ... Vho-Phophi Baloyi
Matthew Monika ... Uncle Humbulani
Hlengani Baloyi ... Uncle Hanyani
Hlupheka Nkomo ... Ahlulani (as Hluoheka Nkomo)
Lesley Ndlovu ... Uncle Dzunani
Hlamalani Mavasa ... Matimba
Albert Sepeng ... Judge
Nthabiseng Shabiso ... Prosecutor Maringa
Tennyson Ngobeni ... Customer 1
Prince Ngobeni ... Customer 2
Vinolia Mashego ... Khwinana
Lavani Shikwambana ... Njakeni
Nthati Moshesh ... Julia