Mandela

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

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 more powerful than an aristocratic lifestyle in the country, and Mandela flees to Johannesburg.

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.

In October 1963 the Rivonia Trial, which was widely known as the trial that forever changed South Africa, saw Mandela and others faced with charges of sabotage and ultimately led to Mandela’s imprisonment.

For many of the journalists working for South African news channel eNCA, the death of Nelson Mandela was the most memorable story of their careers. It was a week in which South Africa regained the international limelight, but then threatened to derail following a series of bungles - including the hiring of a schizophrenic criminal who interpreted speeches in fake sign language.