Cast of ‘Giyani: Land of Blood’ hint at what fans can expect from season 3

explores powerful and emotive themes about land claim. The storyline examines ownership of the land and who is in the right, with the dramatic flair telenovelas are known for.

It centres on two warring families, a secret past and a forbidden love between Khensani Mudau and Musa Baloyi.

The series went into a production break in May 2022, much to the disappointment of devoted viewers. But it’s back and season three comes full circle, with plenty of secrets exposed across 105 episodes.

Viewers will not be lost plot-wise when it makes its screen debut because it will first recap the last 15 episodes of season 2.

IOL Entertainment visited the set recently and witnessed the longawaited wedding of Khensani and Musa, which is beautiful.

Shitshembiso Mabasa, the creative producer and head of studio of Giyani: Land of Blood, explained that one of the areas of growth audiences will notice is in the language.

As the first Xitsonga drama series, they faced a backlash regarding the dialect and standard language used in the show. The actors are now more confident with the language and dialect, and able to express themselves with emotion.

Actor Wiseman Zitha let slip that viewers can certainly expect more drama this season, especially after two failed attempts at getting married.

“A lot of drama, a lot of drama! There is a wedding and Musa might be going back to being a lawyer again. Last season he was working at a general dealer,” Zitha teased.

The role of Khensani Mudau will now be played by Mahlatsi Mokoena, who breaks into the industry fresh out of Tshwane University of Technology, where she studied drama.

Stepping into a role previously held by another actor, Mathabo Mothibe, sometimes comes with added pressure.

“At first, it was scary, that I’m going to be the new Khensani, people are going to compare me. I had to tell myself that I have to be myself. I’m also a trained professional, so when I go there, I have to show my skills,” shared Mokoena.

She admitted she was nervous for the first scene, but said the welcoming atmosphere on set put her at ease.

Season three will see the introduction of the Khoza family, helmed by seasoned actor Lesley Musina, who joins the cast as Solani Khoza, a lawyer and the patriarch of the Khoza Family.

His wife Pele, an ex-promo-girl turned club manager, is played by Bokang Phelane, while Zigi Ndlovu joins the show as Dzovo, Solani’s son.

Dzovo is Khensani’s new love interest and business partner.

Another powerhouse is Solani’s sister, the matriarch of the Khoza family, Mambeku, played by Nsuku Baloyi.

Thrown into the mix are his two daughters, Mixo (Nkateko Mabunda) and Zuri, for another compelling season.

Musina’s character is complex, as an alpha man returning to Giyani after making it big in the city with his trophy wife. The actor revealed that he felt the character’s storyline was made for him, when he read the script.

However, he is not received with open arms by everybody and finds himself having to re-establish his relationship with his son, who he left behind when he went to the city.

“He’s a strong willed person and is very family oriented, but you can imagine there’s going to be a little drama happening because he’s going back home to face his demons. Not only that, he wants to make it big in Giyani.

“Zolani now is just trying to reestablish that relationship with his two grown kids. It’s very difficult with the son because now he’s grown, and he’s had to fend for himself.”

This is Musina’s second lead role. In 2022, he starred in The Executives.

“I feel like in 2022 I’ve really challenged myself. In my previous role I played an urban Zulu character. And now on Giyani, it’s quite exciting because it’s a new family,” he said.

The actor may be playing a lawyer once again, but there are a lot of differences from the last time. As an actor, Musina challenged himself with the role, especially with speaking in Xitsonga, which is not his first language.

Just like his fellow cast mates, Musina sang the production’s praises and expanded on the welcoming nature on set.

This season embarks on the show’s final odyssey, with a world that has expanded and changed – the banana plantation has been replaced by the game lodge which Manoko, portrayed by Rami Chuene, continues to pillage, while the villagers remain marginalised and are living in poverty on their supposed own land.

Viewers can also expect the return of Ndivhuho Mutsila as Richard, Linah Ngcobo as Mhani Tsakani, Noel Baloyi as Mahlori, Fumani Shilubana as Vukosi and Maduvha Madima as Shoni. Giyani: Land of Blood season three starts today on SABC2 and continues Mondays to Wednesdays at 9.30pm.