Big stars descend on Ndwedwe for new Ingoma yakwaZulu film
The movie shot in locations across the North Coast, highlighting local beauty.
Lights, camera, Ndwedwe! The North Coast’s rural heartland stars in Ingoma yakwaZulu, a new film celebrating Zulu pride and perseverance.
Rural Ndwedwe has been firmly placed on South Africa’s cinematic landscape as the host of the new feature film, shot between September 30 and October 5.
The production boasts a star-studded lineup including Mqobi Yazo, Mike Mvelase, Thembinkosi Thwala, Bhabha Robeteng, Bazile Msomi and Zamo Kubeka. Actor, writer and producer Simanga Cibane, whose hometown is Ozwathini near Bhamshela, takes the lead role.
Adding a proud local touch, Ndwedwe’s own Sanele Mgobhozi served as director of photography. With cinematography credits on major telenovelas such as The Wife, Umkhokha and Genesis, Mgobhozi returned to his hometown to lead the film’s visual storytelling.
“I first witnessed the magic of filming as a child on the set of KwaKhala Nyonini (1987 Zulu television drama series) and knew I wanted to be behind the camera,” he said.
“I knew I would come back and shoot here, and it happened. We received overwhelming support from locals, from people opening their homes to serving as extras and by filming across the North Coast, we really made film magic.”
Filmed in Zinkwazi, Ogunjini and at the KwaSeme wedding venue, the production also shines a light on Ndwedwe’s cultural richness. Four local Ingoma (Zulu dance) groups were cast to perform, giving community dancers a rare opportunity to perform on a national stage.
Zanele Nhlapo, curator of the iLembe Shorts Indie Film Festival and the film’s line producer, said the production represents a major boost for the local creative economy.
Funded by the KZN Tourism and Film Authority and the National Film and Video Foundation, Ingoma yakwaZulu is now in post-production and set for release in 2026.
The story follows Nhlwabusi, a gifted young dancer from Ndwedwe, who enters a high-stakes Zulu dance competition where the winner earns a trip to America and funds to build a community centre. When accused of being a fraud and disqualified, Nhlwabusi must fight to prove his authenticity, reclaim his honour and seize a second chance to change his future.
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