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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
A SHOCKING statistic that human trafficking is a $35 billion global business inspired the production of Ziyanda, a film about the vice in Africa.Produced and directed by South Africa-based Zimbabwean filmmaker Thabo Sibanda, the film features Rhythm City’s Zintle Ncipha, former Generations actress Katlego Danke, local actress Penelope Moyo, ZBCTv presenter Nyasha Mtamangira and gospel musician, Pastor G.

A promotional trailer for Ziyanda — a production in English, Ndebele and Zulu was screened on Monday at Impala Lodge in Bulawayo.

The feature film is about Ziyanda (played by Ncipha), a woman who goes undercover to dismantle a human trafficking syndicate headed by Luthuli Dlamini. She rescues her kidnapped younger sister, a role played by Moyo.

Production of the film will start in Zimbabwe and South Africa in August.

Ziyanda, producers said, was a tool to educate people on the illicit trade in human beings that was being perpetrated under their noses.

“Human trafficking is the fastest growing organised crime in the whole world and is worth $35 billion. According to the United Nations, Zimbabwe is a point of entry and exit for human traffickers. We’ve heard stories about the illicit movement of finances out of Africa, wars and famine, but now we’ve the illicit movement of people from the continent. So Ziyanda will tell such a story eloquently,” executive producer of the film, Dumisani Nkomo said.

He said the level of ignorance around human trafficking was shocking.

“The initial concept was inspired by the story of Joseph in the Bible. That was one of the first incidents of human trafficking.

“When we researched further, we realised the problem was far bigger than we anticipated,” said Nkomo.

Ncipha said the movie would be shown at international festivals after being premiered in Zimbabwe and South Africa next year.

“The aim is to send the film to international film festivals such as Toronto, Cannes and American Film Festivals. We’ve had talks with the Ster-Kinekor distributer in South Africa and they’ve shown interest in the film,” said Ncipha.