By Nosipho Mabuza(Intern)
EZULWINI– Eswatini creative thrives in technical production role on Africa’s biggest historical series.
When viewers across Africa and beyond tuned into Shaka iLembe Season 2, few realized the quiet force of dedication and passion that came from Eswatini’s own Sandile Makhanya, who played a pivotal role behind the scenes as part of the technical crew and production team. A photographer, filmmaker, and director of Makhanya Universe, Makhanya also serves as the Chairperson of the Independent Producers Association in Eswatini, yet even with those credentials, his approach to the production was grounded in humility and a deep desire to learn.
“I joined for the purpose of learning,” Makhanya explains. “It was Bomb Production’s idea to help expose Eswatini to the technical side of production, and I gladly stepped in.” Initially, his role was that of an on-set photographer, capturing stills, portraits, and behind-the-scenes moments. But this was just the entry point.
He quickly transitioned into more complex responsibilities, including coordinating the casting of Eswatini actors, organizing their transport and logistics to South Africa, and managing day-to-day challenges of the Eswatini contingent. Eventually, he found himself in the production office, fully immersed in scheduling, coordination, and general production duties.
“There were so many roles I played under the objective of wanting to learn everything. This experience has been the greatest class of my life. I learned more in those eight months than in all of my career.”
Working on a Pan-African epic like Shaka iLembe came with intense challenges. The long hours, sometimes operating on two to three hours of sleep, and cross-border travel, often within the same day, tested Sandile’s limits. Yet these hardships brought equally rich rewards.
“Every day, there was something new to learn, lighting, camera work, scheduling, solving production issues, everything was on a bigger scale than what we are used to. It opened my eyes.”
Among his most fascinating takeaways were the precision of production office scheduling and the depth of technical work in lighting and camera operations. “The way they run production is a whole new syllabus I believe I need to bring back to Eswatini to help educate our own filmmakers.”
Makhanya’s involvement wasn’t just about work, it was about representation and pride. “It was quite an honor. We represented Eswatini very well,” he says, recalling how his Swati roots helped him stay grounded while working away from home. Singing Swati songs on set brought him emotional comfort and reinforced the cultural bridge between his identity and the story being told.
He also picked up unexpected cultural insights, like the fact that historically, Swatis did not cut their hair, something that came up in casting when adjustments had to be made for historical accuracy. “It was an education in my own culture. Today, I see it differently when I attend the Incwala ceremony. I fell more in love with our culture.”
Beyond cultural connection, the project reshaped Makhanya personally and professionally. “It showed me I can be more patient and that I can handle more under pressure. I came back feeling like I had earned an honorary degree in film production.”
Networking was another powerful gain. “Now I know who to call, the technical pull is wild, and just a call away. It’s a real opportunity to bring those skills back to Eswatini.”
His message to young Liswati creatives? “The film industry is challenging. Be dedicated, respectful, and apply yourself. There are no shortcuts, but the rewards are worth it.”
More than 100 Emaswati were involved in Shaka iLembe Season 2, a number Makhanya is proud of. “It created jobs, opened doors, and showed the world what we can do. I want to thank His and Her Majesty, the Government of Eswatini, Bomb Productions, and DStv for this incredible platform.”
Makhanya’s journey is not just a success story, it’s a blueprint for growth, representation, and the future of Eswatini’s involvement in global storytelling. As he put it, “I’m ready to work.” And the film world should be ready for him.
(Courtesy Pics)
