{{Short description|Town in Limpopo Province, South Africa}} {{Multiple issues| {{original research|date=April 2011}} {{more citations needed|date=April 2011}} }} {{Infobox settlement | name = Giyani | other_name = | image_skyline = Giyani.JPG | image_caption = A traffic junction and shopping centre in central Giyani | pushpin_map = South Africa Limpopo#South Africa#Africa | coordinates = {{coord|23|18|36|S|30|42|23|E|region:ZA|display=inline,title}} | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = South Africa | subdivision_type1 = Province | subdivision_name1 = Limpopo | subdivision_type2 = District | subdivision_name2 = Mopani | subdivision_type3 = Municipality | subdivision_name3 = Greater Giyani | subdivision_type4 = Main Place | established_title = Established | leader_title = Councillor | area_footnotes = <ref name="census2011">{{cite web |url=http://census2011.adrianfrith.com/place/960029 |title = Main Place Giyani |work=Census 2011}}</ref> | area_total_km2 = 19.51 | population_footnotes = <ref name="census2011" /> | population_total = 25954 | population_as_of = 2011 | population_density_km2 = auto <!-- demographics (section 1) --> | demographics_type1 = Racial makeup (2011) | demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="census2011" /> | demographics1_title1 = Black | demographics1_info1 = 96.9% | demographics1_title2 = Coloured | demographics1_info2 = 0.2% | demographics1_title3 = Indian/Asian | demographics1_info3 = 2.0% | demographics1_title4 = White | demographics1_info4 = 0.5% | demographics1_title5 = Other | demographics1_info5 = 0.4% <!-- demographics (section 2) --> | demographics_type2 = First languages (2011) | demographics2_footnotes = <ref name="census2011" /> | demographics2_title1 = XiTsonga | demographics2_info1 = 91.8% | demographics2_title2 = English | demographics2_info2 = 0.2% | demographics2_title3 = Northern Sotho | demographics2_info3 = 2.7% | demographics2_title4 = TshiVenda | demographics2_info4 = 1.4% | demographics2_title5 = Other | demographics2_info5 = 6.2% <!-- blank fields (section 2) --> <!-- Other information --> | timezone1 = SAST | utc_offset1 = +2 | postal_code_type = Postal code (street) | postal_code = 0826 | postal2_code_type = PO box | postal2_code = 0826 | area_code_type = Area code | area_code = 015 }}
'''Giyani''' is a town in the north-eastern part of the province of Limpopo, South Africa, and serves as the main place in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Location – Limpopo Provincial Government |url=https://www.limpopo.gov.za/?page_id=3390 |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=www.limpopo.gov.za}}</ref>
The town is the administrative capital of the Mopani District Municipality and a former capital of the former Gazankulu Bantustan. Giyani town is divided into seven sections: Section A, Section D1, Section D2, Section E, Section F, Kremetart, and Giyani CBD.Giyani extends to 91 villages.
In recent years the villages that form part of Greater Giyani have undergone significant development, which has included upgraded road networks and other public infrastructure, economic development, and private property development. These developments have demonstrated a potential city status for Giyani in the coming years, if the development rate is maintained.{{citation needed|date=February 2026}}
The Giyani CBD is nicknamed Benstore, and this name is commonly used by residents of the region.{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} Greater Giyani is rich with Tsonga culture and cultural activities. Giyani, as the main area, and the rest of the Greater Giyani region is Administered by the Greater Giyani Local Municipality.
== History ==
Giyani was established during the 1960s as the capital city of Gazankulu, on land belonging to the Homu Royal Family.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-11 |title=Giyani was established during the 1960s as a capital City of Gazankulu. |url=https://www.greatergiyani.gov.za/pages/about.php?page=history#:~:text=Giyani%20was%20established%20during%20the%201960s%20as%20a%20capital%20City%20of%20Gazankulu%2C |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> The Risinga Community (under headman Chabalala) originally came from the Elim district, next to the township of Waterval.
The Old Parliament Buildings in Giyani, the ministerial houses, and the Palace of the chief minister of Gazankulu were built on what used to be the Chief's Kraal and headquarters of the Risinga Community. Across the main road, the Risinga Community used to drive their herds of cattle for grazing at a place known today as Giyani Golf Course. Giyani Section E, Section A, Sections D1 and D2, and the CBD of Giyani, known as Bendstore, were villages of the Risinga Community. The Risinga Community was forcefully removed from their land during the 1960s<ref name="Greater Giyani Municipality">{{Cite web |title=Greater Giyani Municipality |url=https://www.greatergiyani.gov.za/pages/about.php?page=history |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=www.greatergiyani.gov.za}}</ref> in order to make way for the new capital of Gazankulu, and they were relocated to the foothills of Man'ombe Mountain in Homu Block 14 and Makoxa Village with their chief, Hosi Homu Chabalala.<ref name="Greater Giyani Municipality"/>
== Land claims == The Risinga Community, under Hosi Homu Chabalala, successfully claimed back their land, which includes Giyani Section E, Section A, Sections D1 and D2, and some parts of Section F. The whole of Man'ombe Mountain Nature Reserve and the entire Giyani CBD were given back to Hosi Homu Chabalala under the settlements scheme with the government.{{citation needed|date=February 2026}}
The other Chabalala headman, Hosi Siyandhanim, successfully claimed some parts of Giyani Section E and Section F and the western portion of Giyani CBD, Mapuve, Jim Nghalalume, and Siyandhani as host villages.{{citation needed|date=February 2026}}
Hosi Maswanganyi (Mavhusa) also successfully claimed back their land, which includes: Gandlanani, Basani, N'wamankena, Dingamadzi, Sikhunyani, Kremetart, Dzingidzingi A, B, and C, Bode A and B, Mencisi, and Maswanganyi Village. Hosi Khakhala also successfully claimed back their land, which includes: Muyexe Block 01, Mninginisi Block 02, Mninginisi Block 03, N'wadzekudzeku Block 04, Shivulani Block 05A, Mbatlo Block 05B, Mavalani Block 06, Thomo Block 07, Khakhala Block 08A, Mhlava Block 08B, and Gawula Block 09 Village.{{citation needed|date=February 2026}}
== Culture ==
Most residents of Giyani speak Xitsonga<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bibliographies: 'Tsonga language – South Africa – Limpopo Province' – Grafiati |url=https://www.grafiati.com/en/literature-selections/tsonga-language-south-africa-limpopo-province/ |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=www.grafiati.com |language=en}}</ref> as their first language. The Tsonga women perform the ''xibelani dance,''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Academy |first=Vambo |date=2022-01-14 |title=Xibelani |url=https://vamboacademy.com/xibelani/ |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=Vambo Academy |language=en-US}}</ref> while the men enjoy mpuluto and makhwaya. The Tsonga people also engage in a custom dance called mchongolo. Xibelani is an African skirt designed to make the wearer's hips look bigger so that the hip movement during the xibelani dance can be more apparent. The Tsonga people have their own distinct music when the xibelani dance is performed.
The staple diet in Giyani is maize porridge (vuswa or pap in Afrikaans) and rice, often eaten with meat, chicken, and vegetables (matsavu).{{citation needed|date=February 2026}}
Johnny Clegg and his band Savuka, on the album Third World Child, sing about leaving the stress of Johannesburg to get some peace and quiet in Giyani.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Johnny Clegg & Band, Lugano, 2013 [13:40] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5xhrrszWCM&t=820s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/q5xhrrszWCM |archive-date=2021-12-21 |website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
== Climate == Giyani is situated within the sub-tropical zone.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Climate – Limpopo Provincial Government |url=https://www.limpopo.gov.za/?page_id=3392 |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=www.limpopo.gov.za}}</ref> It can be very hot in the summer, reaching a maximum temperature of 41 °C in the summer and 25 °C during the winter. Winters are mild during the day and cold during the night.
The rainy season is between September and March, while the winter season is from April to August.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Odekunle |first=T. O. |date=2004-03-30 |title=Rainfall and the length of the growing season in Nigeria: RAINFALL AND NIGERIAN GROWING SEASON |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/joc.1012 |journal=International Journal of Climatology |language=en |volume=24 |issue=4 |pages=467–479 |doi=10.1002/joc.1012 |s2cid=129690545|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
== Economy ==
Giyani's economy is predominately rural. Cattle ranching and the production of maize, peanuts, tomatoes, potatoes, mangoes, and bananas form the backbone of its agricultural sector.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Provincial Economy and Investment – Limpopo Provincial Government |url=https://www.limpopo.gov.za/?page_id=3396 |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=www.limpopo.gov.za}}</ref> With the economic boom, Giyani has now become a major retail and entertainment center for the local population. Modern shopping centers, with all the well-known chain stores presented, have vastly uplifted the local trade.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Robertson |first1=John |last2=Fennell |first2=James |date=2007 |title=The economic effects of regional shopping centres |url=http://link.springer.com/10.1057/palgrave.rlp.5100057 |journal=Journal of Retail & Leisure Property |language=en |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=149–170 |doi=10.1057/palgrave.rlp.5100057 |issn=1750-2098 |s2cid=153924689 |doi-access=free}}</ref>
== Residential areas ==
Residential areas in the area surrounding Giyani CBD include Giyani Sections A, E, and F, D1, D2, and one suburb, Kreme tart. Two more residential areas, Risinga View and Church View, have recently been established, and fall under local traditional leaders.{{citation needed|date=February 2026}}
Other communities under Traditional Leaders (Tihosi) include Siyandhani, Dzingi-dzingi, Ka-Ndhambi, Mageva, Bambeni, Daniel (Makhwivirini), Maphata, Munghonghoma, Ngove, Khaxani, Mphagani, Xitlakati, Mayephu, N'wa-Marhanga, Xamfana, Nkomo A, Kheyi, Loloka, Maswanganyi, Mbhedle, Mushiane, Mayephu, Dzumeri Township, Hluvukani, Khaxani(Mhintlwa), Makhuva, Xawela Bloc 23, Xikhumba, Mbawula, Phalaubeni, Hlomela, Ndindani, Vuhehli, Nkomo B, Nkomo C, N'wa-Khuwani, Bambeni, Mzilela, Matsotsosela, Dzumeri RDP, Homu, Sikhunyani, Mninginisi, Xikukwani, Mavalani, Nkurhi, Tomu, and Basani.{{citation needed|date=February 2026}}
== Education ==
Some of the independent schools in Giyani include Khanyisa Education Centre,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Khanyisa Education Centre - Giyani School4SA™ |url=https://www.schools4sa.co.za/school-profile/khanyisa-education-centre/ |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=www.schools4sa.co.za}}</ref> Risinga Secondary School, Nkwangulatilo Education Centre,<ref>{{Cite web |title=NKWANGULATILO EDUCATION CENTRE, Limpopo Province GIYANI-GIYANI-GIYANI INFORMATION |url=https://studentportal.org.za/nkwangulatilo-education-centre-limpopo-province-giyani-giyani-giyani-information/ |access-date=2022-12-06 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> Nyukani Education Centre, High Quality Education Centres, Giyani College of Technology and Management, and Muhluri Combine School. Public schools include Kheto Nxumayo Agricultural High School and Giyani High School.
=== Tertiary Institutions in or near Giyani ===
* Northern Technical College * Stanford Business and Computer College * Harvest Bible College * Madzahisi College * Avuxeni Computer Academy<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tertiary Education in Giyani - Think Local |url=https://www.thinklocal.co.za/giyani/tertiary-education |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=www.thinklocal.co.za}}</ref> *Giyani Campus Of Nursing College *Limpopo Province College of Nursing *Letaba TVET College (Giyani Campus) *Giyani Education Multipurpose Centre *Tshwane University of Technology (Giyani Campus) *Giyani College of Technology and Management *Giyani College of Education and Training
== Roads ==
The R81 is the major road that runs through Giyani. It links Giyani to Polokwane and Malamulele and joins the R524 to Punda Maria entrance gate of the Kruger National Park. The R81<ref>{{Cite web |title=President Zuma to officially open R81 from Polokwane to Giyani {{!}} South African Government |url=https://www.gov.za/president-zuma-officially-open-r81-polokwane-giyani |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=www.gov.za}}</ref> joins the N1 to Pretoria and Johannesburg in Polokwane, next to the Mall of the North.
== Sports ==
Giyani Stadium<ref>{{Cite web |title=Giyani Stadium – Limpopo Tourism |url=https://golimpopo.com/tour-item/giyani-stadium/,%20https://golimpopo.com/tour-item/giyani-stadium/ |access-date=2022-12-06 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> was the home of National First Division club Dynamos F.C. (South Africa). Giyani has been home to Giyani United and Giyani Classic; it has served as a temporarily home for Casric fc.
The 100 metre sprint ace Peter "Manero" Ngobeni stayed in Giyani Section A during the 1980s.{{citation needed|date=February 2026}}
== Notable people ==
* Phillemon Hlungwani<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.everard-read.co.za/artist/PHILLEMON_HLUNGWANI/biography/ | title=PHILLEMON HLUNGWANI | Biography | Everard Read Gallery Johannesburg }}</ref> * Penny Penny * [https://briefly.co.za/facts-lifehacks/celebrities-biographies/121403-who-musa-keys-age-girlfriend-real-culture-songs-profiles-net-worth/ Musa Keys] * Gladwin Shitolo * Tinyiko Victor Hlungwani<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.safa.net/2016/11/23/meet-psl-referee-tinyiko-victor-hlungwani/ | title=Meet PSL Referee Tinyiko Victor Hlungwani | date=23 November 2016 }}</ref> * Fulani Shibulana<ref>{{cite web | url=https://mopaninewssa.co.za/?p=1574 | title=Meet some of 0Mopani's influential women – Mopani News }}</ref>
== Tourism ==
Giyani's location is in the warm African bushveld, which makes it attractive for both local and international visitors. The Giyani Golf Course is home to zebras, giraffes, bushbucks, and some other herbivores; however, the viewing of these animals has not yet been commercialized.{{citation needed|date=February 2026}}
The area is home to numerous bed and breakfast and guest house facilities. Limpopo Lodge (formerly Giyani Hotel) is situated in the center of town and managed by the Oasis Group. Man'ombe Nature Reserve is located 6 km east of Giyani.
Giyani also borders Kruger National Park on the western side of the Northern Region. Historically, Giyani had no entry point to Kruger National Park, even though Giyani shares a long border with Kruger National Park. There was a plan to open a new gate, known as Shangoni Gate, at Muyexe Village, 30 km north-east of Giyani town. This gate was supposed to bring much-needed development to the nearby historically poor villages of Muyexe, Mahonisi, and Mtititi, where despite their advantageous location, unemployment remained at 80%.
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Mopani District Municipality}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Populated places in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality Category:1960s establishments in South Africa