In addition, during the birthday week, special relevant programming from July 16 – 22 includes:

Idris Elba: Mandela, My Dad and Me – July 16 Monday, 7.15pm In 2013, actor Idris Elba produced and released Mi Mandela, an album inspired by his time researching and portraying Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long

Walk to Freedom. This special documents one man’s struggle in producing his first album.

Mandela City – July 17 Tuesday, 7.15pm The formidable racial prejudice that Nelson Mandela encountered on moving to Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city, lead to his rapid politicisation and fight to topple apartheid. This programme charts the events that began one of the most legendary civil rights campaigns of the 20th century.

Mandela Country – July 18 Wednesday, 7.15pm 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.

Mandela Rivonia – July 19 Thursday, 7.15pm 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 cruelty to begin the negotiations that would eventually lead to a democratic South Africa.

Flat 13 – July 20 Friday, 7.20pm This is the story of the apartment in downtown Johannesburg that, between the late ’40s and early ’60s, became a hub of resistance against apartheid. Nelson Mandela described it as the place where “the first seeds of non-racialism were sown and a wider concept of the nation came into being.” He was concerned that history accurately record the role played by all freedom-loving people towards the final liberation of the country.

Mandela Tribute: Farewell Father – July 22

Sunday, 8.15pm Celebrating the great stateperson’s life and the achievements he brought about through his leadership, from the inception of the ANC, imprisonment and the presidency. In keeping with the milestone week, History will be opened to DStv customers on DStv Compact, Family and Access from July 16 to 23. Customers don’t have to do anything to get the channel as it will automatically be made available on their package.