South Africa / 2020 / 15mins / Animation / Zulu

A meek young boy, Manzini (voiced by Themba Ntuli), is attacked by three bullies on his way home from school in an incident that almost costs him his life. Manzini confesses to his Gogo (grandmother) his desire to quit school. In response, she narrates a profound tale of resilience, chronicling the coming of age of a great warrior and king, Shaka Zulu, to inspire her grandson through the strength of his lineage. Actor Mondli Makhoba voices Shaka, Ayanda Borotho is Queen Nandi, and Dawn Thandeka King is Mkabayi. Veteran entertainer Lillian Dube takes on the role of Gogo MaLamula Zulu.

Manzini Zungu

Manzini Zungu is a seasoned entrepreneur and award-winning film producer and creator whose presence and impact in the business and film fraternity cannot be ignored. He is also a passionate storyteller, who loves to tell heritage stories of his African origin. He has also been selected to form part of the 2022 jury at the Genesis International Film Festival. Manzini is the founding Chief Executive Officer of Pacinamix. Pacinamix is a diversified creative company that has extensions and subsidiaries, Pacina Pictures being one of them. It is a film, television, and video production company that has produced Shaka - iNkosi Yamakhosi, an international award-winning film. Manzini also has the distinct privilege of being an alumnus of the Wharton Business School. This directive has guided Manzini’s philanthropic work through his foundation, the Manzini Zungu Foundation. Manzini is dedicated to his spirituality and is a proud member of the Salvation Army, where his devotion and contributions are expressed in numerous philanthropic initiatives through the Manzini Zungu Foundation as well as in his service as the Musical Director of the Salvation Army’s Soweto Central Chorus. Manzini also serves as a director of AmaZulu Football Club, the oldest football club in the DStv Premiership. Learn More

Nick Cloete

Nick Cloete is one of the founders, and the managing director at Mind’s Eye Creative, a 2.D animation studio based in Johannesburg specializing in short and long-form entertainment series. With over 10 years in the industry, he has worked on many television series, shorts, and commercials for prestigious international networks and brands, including Netflix, TruTV, Youtube Premium, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Amazon Prime, and many others. Nick has a passion for growing the animation industry. He currently serves as the Chair for Animation South Africa and Co-Chair for SASFED. Learn More