Umhlaba Wokhokho

Land of My Ancestors

Driven by a prophetic vision, iNkosi Mabaso reclaims his ancestral land. In eMgundeni, a village where grasslands whisper and wetlands cradle life, fulfilling his name, Zwelihle (Beautiful Land).

Short African
World Premiere African Premiere SA Premiere

Director(s):

Nondumiso Masache

Country:

South Africa

Year:

2024

Duration:

17 min

Language(s):

Zulu

RATING:

Guided by the hopes of fulfilling a prophetic vision, iNkosi Mabaso embarks on a mission to reclaim his ancestral land in the Mabaso Kingdom of eMgundeni, renamed Utrecht during apartheid. With a deep respect for his heritage, iNkosi Mabaso, whose name Zwelihle means ‘Beautiful Land’, seeks to honour the legacy of his ancestors by restoring his community’s connection to their land that has been threatened by a history of exploitation, dispossession and colonialism, whilst also undertaking an emotional journey to locate his grandfather’s grave. With nearly half of the nation’s water supply stemming from eMgundeni, iNkosi Mabaso advocates for land conservation, championing land stewardship, and emphasising the role of rural communities as protectors of the environment. Umhlaba Wokhokho—Land of My Ancestors, explores the profound relationship between land, communities and the fight for preservation.