The Africa Channel marks Mande

The Africa Channel marks Mandela’s birthday with two documentaries

A stunning five-part series chronicling Madiba’s life story from rural beginnings to election as South Africa’s first democratic president and a documentary exposing the 13-year process, from 1977 to 1990, when South Africa’s apartheid government agonised over Mandela’s release.

The Africa Channel marks Mande

Mandela africa channelThe Africa Channel (Sky 209, Virgin 828) will mark Mandela Day and celebrate the life of one of the most revered people of our time with two intriguing documentaries, Mandela and Projek Mandela.

Projek Mandela

Projek Mandela exposes the 13-year process, from 1977 to 1990, when South Africa’s apartheid government agonised over Mandela’s release. Featuring first-hand accounts and fascinating archive footage of a history told as never before. Hear how Prime Minister PW Botha evaded meeting with the activist while Justice Minister Kobie Coetsee, held clandestine interventions with Mandela in August 1985.

Projek Mandela will be screened at 11am and 2.30pm on 18 July.

Mandela

Mandela is a stunning five-part series chronicling Madiba’s life story— from rural beginnings to election as South Africa’s first democratic president. Mandela brings a refreshing angle to this well-known narrative, and tells a broader story about the politics of struggle and reconciliation.

The five episodes of Mandela will be shown from 8pm on Thursday 18 July. Each episode lasts less than one hour.

EPISODE 1: COUNTRY

The unique story of Nelson Mandela’s early years. Born in one of the most rural parts of South Africa, Mandela is adopted by the Thembu royalty after the death of his father. But the lure of the city is far more powerful than the prospect of an aristocratic lifestyle in the country, and Mandela flees to Johannesburg

EPISODE 2: CITY

The formidable racial prejudice that Nelson Mandela encounters on moving to Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city, leads to his rapid politicisation and fervent campaigning against apartheid. This programme charts the events that began one of the most legendary civil rights campaigns of the 20th century.

EPISODE 3: RIVONIA

A compelling account of Nelson Mandela’s secret life in the underground as he spearheads the antiapartheid movement in an increasingly volatile political climate. The circumstances behind his decision to launch an armed struggle and his eventual capture and trial, which led to life imprisonment.

EPISODE 4: PRISON

An uncompromising insight into the darkest days of Mandela’s life as he becomes the world’s most famous prisoner. Despite lengthy incarceration in an apartheid prison, Nelson Mandela overcomes indignity and harshness to begin the negotiations that will eventually lead to a democratic South Africa.

EPISODE 5: PRESIDENT

A fascinating film revisiting that seminal moment in global politics that captured the imagination of the world. The events that transpire as Mandela triumphs over gruelling political negotiations, widespread violence and personal tragedy to become South Africa’s first black president.

Full schedule on www.theafricachannel.co.uk

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