15/08/2026
The Exploration of Shangani Culture is a Zimbabwean-produced cultural documentary series celebrating and exploring the vibrant Tsonga/Shangani culture of the south-eastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe. It is the first documentary series from the region dedicated to documenting and showcasing the culture and heritage of the Tsonga/Shangani people. Produced by Lowveld Media Trust, the series brings together traditional leaders, cultural managers, academic researchers, professors, government officials, ordinary people and other relevant commentators. The first 13 episodes were produced through a partnership with Culture Fund and the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe under the CreativeACTIONs 2 programme which was endorsed and supported by Government through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
The first 13 episodes of the documentary series documented the History and Background of the Tsonga people, Spiritual Beliefs and Practices, Economy and Livelihoods, Social Systems and Kinship Structures, Homebuilding and Wall Decoration, Traditional Initiations of Hoko and Tikhomba, Art and Craft, Dress and Adornment, Music and Dance, Gender Roles and Perspectives, Storytelling, Food, while the 13th episode focused on Modern Society.
The Executive Producer of the documentary series, Passmore Ndlovu, reiterates that the project is ongoing and will remain an evolving cultural documentation initiative aimed at celebrating and preserving this vibrant heritage. The documentary contributes to the preservation of indigenous knowledge while creating greater appreciation of Tsonga/Shangani identity, heritage and cultural practices. Beyond Zimbabwe, the documentary seeks to connect Tsonga/Shangani people across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini, recognising the shared cultural heritage, traditions, histories and identities that transcend national borders.
Ultimately, The Exploration of Shangani Culture seeks to ensure that the stories, traditions and knowledge of the Tsonga/Shangani people are documented, celebrated, connected and passed on to future generations, while strengthening cultural links among Tsonga/Shangani communities across the Southern African region. It also highlights the richness and cultural diversity of the south-eastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe while positioning culture as an important part of Zimbabwe’s creative and cultural economy.
Documentary YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2AALiXfjjdXBGm2a01ZDrBNOYuSN--Ym&si=mEFwuqL4PbkB9pUz
đź“·Lloyd Ndebele/ Lowveld Media
Model: Patience Makondo
Unesco Regional Office for Southern Africa Shangani Safaris Zimbabwe Hippo Valley Estates & Triangle Frankfurt Zoological Society Gonarezhou National Park The Malilangwe Trust Savé Valley Conservancy Musa Mathebula Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chiredzi Rural District Council Hlengwe Heritage Centre
