Sir Trev’s hard cell

HE has twice been to death row in Indiana so you would think he has had his share of interviewing murderers.

But Sir Trevor Mcdonald goes back behind bars on ITV in a documentary in South Africa.

Nelson Mandela would have been 100 this year and Sir Trevor returns to the country he first visited as a journalist when he interviewed the icon on his release, right.

Since then South Africa has seen profound change but there is still plenty of trouble.

Mcdonald visits Pollsmoor Prison where Mandela spent six years.

Shockingly Kensey Wiseman, head of admissions, says: “We are seeing an increase in violent crimes and rapes.

“The new trick they use is if they want to kill you, they send five-year-old boys. They can’t be brought before an adult court.”

Mcdonald then meets men who are part of the notorious jail Numbers Gang. Inmate Rudy Jefferds says: “Poverty pays a big role. For us, coloured people killing each other, killing people is like killing flies. If you ask how they benefit, they can’t tell you.”

Elsewhere, in a shanty area one black resident tells him things were better under apartheid, claiming “democracy is for people with money”.

Thankfully it is not all bad news. Mark Solms mortgaged part of his vineyard – it has been in his family for seven generations – to give it to his black workers. Mark talks about land reform and sharing what he calls his “ill-gotten gains”.

Mcdonald says: “This is a stunning country with amazing people going through difficult times. A lot needs to be done.

“In some respects Mandela would look on with satisfaction but it is still an ongoing process.”

Trevor Mcdonald: Return To South Africa, is on ITV, tomorrow, 9pm.