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.