In 2006, the celebrated South African songstress Thandiswa Mazwai released her critically acclaimed album, Zabalaza. Within that collection was a profoundly moving track titled “Nizalwa Ngobani?”—a question that translates to, “Who gave birth to you?” This mind-blowing question serves as a poignant challenge, urging us to reflect on why we have seemingly forgotten about the people who paved the way for us.
This very question became the catalyst for presenter Prince Sivalo Mahlangu’s personal mission to discover his own family history. It set him on a remarkable journey to unearth the story of the Mahlangu family, a journey that traced their footsteps alongside King Mzilikazi from Ndubazi (in present-day Mpumalanga, South Africa) all the way to modern-day Zimbabwe. Through his dedicated research, Prince delved into his family’s sacred clan names and uncovered invaluable ancestral knowledge, bridging the gap between his present and his past.
A Broader Call to Action for the African Child
Prince’s personal discovery highlights a broader, more critical question: Why have we, as Africans, often neglected and even shunned our own family traditions and history? So many factors, from the complexities of spirituality and religion to the influences of a globalized culture, have undoubtedly contributed to this disconnect. However, it is fundamentally crucial for every African child to be a custodian of their own history and to actively seek to discover where they truly come from. Prince’s journey of discovery led him to a profound appreciation for the sacrifices his ancestors made and instilled in him a deep and unwavering pride in his family’s heritage.
We hope his story serves as a powerful inspiration. We urge you to take time to speak with your family, collect the stories, and record the details of your ancestors’ lives. Our hope is that this documentary will motivate a new generation of researchers to embark on their own journeys of discovery, and in doing so, help to preserve our collective family histories for countless generations to come.
Thokoza!
