A Must See: The Life & Times Of Madiba!
February 8, 2010 by Brown Shuga
This Thursday, 11 February 2010, 20:30 the History Channel (DSTV Channel 254) will be broadcasting a “MUST SEE” special documentary called “Madiba: The Life And Times Of Nelson Mandela”.
Now I know, it’s Thursday, and at that time we all watch Desperate Housewives or Home Affairs but I’m sure we can make an exception this week mos neh? It is after all, 20th Anniversary of tat’omkhulu Mandela’s (as my father insisted we call him) release from prison and that is more important than Vuyo or Bree’s acting.
For some strange reason, I haven’t watched many of Madiba’s documentaries but I’m not about to miss this one. Okay, I did read Long Walk to Freedome when it came out ages ago but I don’t remember much about what it said anymore.
Yeah, bad memory I got.
So it will be interesting to listen and watch Madiba talk about “his love of children, how apartheid affected him, facing the death sentence, how he survived prison, won over his enemies, overcame prejudice and the pain of his marriage to Winnie.“
The documentary is said to also feature interviews with Nobel Prize Winners Nadine Gordimer and F.W. De Klerk; Robben Island co-prisoners Ahmed Kathrada, Mac Maharaj and Tokyo Sexwale; Mandela biographers Alister Sparks, Anthony Sampson and Charlene Smith; and Mandela’s friends and family. It also features an interview with Winnie, where she talks about her first meeting with Mandela, the last time they were home together, and how she survived torture and scandal.
Sounds interesting neh?
11 February 1990, I was still in Welkom at the time but I have no idea what I was doing on that day, nor where I was when I heard of Madiba’s release. I don’t even remember whether it meant anything to me at that time, eish, actually I’m getting upset just thinking about this. How could I not remember anything?? The only thing that comes to mind wheneven anyone speaks of Madiba’s release in 1990, is this picture here…
Do you remember anything about that day?
I know I ain’t the only oldie here (Sponono) so come now share, we won’t judge.
- What do you remember about 11 February 1990?
- Maybe you were too young to take note of the events but what were you told about it?
- How do you think South Africans should best celebrate this day?
MADIBA: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF NELSON MANDELA
THURSDAY 11 FEBRUARY AT 8:30PM on HISTORY, DStv CHANNEL 254
Quote Of The Day: 
Bee on Mon, 8th Feb 2010 11:46 pm
Haaa BS u gona make me shed tears now. Tjo i was very very young probably five bt hey i honestly remember somethg man. There was a lot of Noise,Hype and Excitement. Bt ofcourse i ddnt understand what was the big deal. Its so sad to thk where we r cuming from bt yet some people…. Hayi mandithule. This is emotional for me.
Bee on Mon, 8th Feb 2010 11:48 pm
Anyway i’ll watch the Docc on thursday(hope i shall manage to finish it).
Kiki on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 12:02 am
There is no way i am gonna miss Vuyokazi and the late Matume for tatas documentary…Sorry Tata but these docs tend to be same thing.What exactly can ths be about besides the story that i hav already read about,seen and heard about? Same everything jus different Producer..If u see one then u have seen them all.
Brown Shuga on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 12:04 am
Hahhhahahhahah I tried Madiba! Tjo Kiki bathong! Lol
P.S on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 12:08 am
Hawu Kiki u can always catch the repeat of Vuyokazi and Matume mos..hahahahah,sabc1 willl make sure of that!
DD on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 12:11 am
I remember we blocked the road celebrating – another ZCC man came driving his boss’ bakkie with a lot of Oranges, Bananas and Spinach. He bumped into an awful lot of students chanting/singing amandla. It only took less than 10minutes before we cleared Bakkie ya nntate bathoo and he was told to head back where he comes from…Not nice but hey there was no harm, Freedom Day – Free Fruits/Veg!
Kiki on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 12:16 am
@ PS,u are missing my point…I’d rather watch Vuyo n Matume bcoz istory saka Tata is like a repeat to me…lol
LEBERA on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 12:19 am
I REMEMBER that year in katlehong we were celebrating even though i was 8 years old 1990. oh its been long walk to freedom we talking about the Man who change the world
The man who fight for freedom 27 years a si papadi
LEBERA on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 12:23 am
LOL @ DD I THINK I WAS IN That crowd
P.S on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 12:28 am
Okey Kikilicious….lol
i don’t remember much about Feb 1990,besides that when u see a yellow van u should run as fast as u can and hide under the bed,was still young.i’m not that much into polotics (lol)…but if i weren’t dishless i would watch the documentary to learn ’bout wat happend dat day.
Kiki on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 12:31 am
Kwakwakwa @ running as fast as u can when u see a yellow van..
Lela on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 12:54 am
I was also 8 bt i rememba makin noise cz we knw a lot abt polotiki cz my sista was jolin wit ikader 4rm exile,i evn rememba d way we were so sad nge funeral ka cris hani,tjo my sista n dat guy made sure we knew everytn. D guy is nw a big anc bee emthatha married n chawing gals my age n younga phofu ufuna kwamna lo n uyasolwa kulento ikhoyo. Yho d topic was madiba,i dnt hv dstv so il be watchn katlego obsessing ova her mom’s thsothso.
MaBusi on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 7:22 am
Don’t remember a thing!! Home Affairs it is for me as I have no DSTV….
J.A.Y. on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 7:23 am
Remember this day too well…lived ekasi KwaMashu at that time so you can imagine the festivities.
I was just over 8 years old but even then I knew that this was no ordinary day…and no ordinary man.
TV on thirstdays is not guaranteed for me so I guess I have to remind my priviledged friends to PVR this.
***
How far is Desperate Housewives on the telly? Season 6 Episode ??
Makgotso on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 7:37 am
I rembered celebrating his release ubaba ubelicomrade lokuqina. Lela dont remind me CH’s funeral,l had nightmares after watching. P.S. imello yellow kwakuyisilwane,mind u l was 9 by then
kazisongo on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 8:03 am
I remember it very well it was a Sunday and we marched all over Alex celebrating, even the next day I remember we went to school but there were no classes and there were taxis taking pupils to celebrate estadium in JHB somewhere but I didnt go because my mom was strict . As for the documentary unfortunately I won’t see it cause I only have half a dish so its Agnes and Matome’s orphan for me
makhi057.thabong on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 8:17 am
makhi uyazi besenza ntoni, besipheka umphokoqho wase mini….
makhi057.thabong on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 8:22 am
Personally, i think ukuba this day should be taken by our beloved politicians to reflect on why the freedom charter was drafted. U-Tata has left us a legacy kodwa ke, kungcolile pha phezulu kwa rhulumente….
Enkosi Shukela
Cleve on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 8:23 am
The joys of PVR
manlord on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 8:36 am
mina i rember i was 4months old and was drinkin milk lol imagine if ther was facebook and twitter by dat tym lol yo hai mara kesono kama BBT BORN BEFORE TECHNOLOGY lol
Lahvee on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 8:42 am
J.A.Y Desperate Housewives is on Season 6 Episode 3, hmm.. I will decide on thursday, I’ll probably do the channel hopping during Thursdays @ 20h30! But imma catch the repeat of HOME AFFAIRS tonite @ 10
Dladla on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 9:19 am
Even if I had DSTV I would not torture myself with this… Uhm… Whatever one choose to call it.
JC People, Madiba was not the only one who fought for our struggle, rather SA’s. So, what about other people? When are going to obssess about them?
The one thing I hate when it comes to anything being said about “utata”(Mandela), they make him out to be this innocent creature. LOL’, that is really funny…
How about we hear about the stuff he did or should I say the people he did to get where is at? Mhh? Then, me and a few others will try by all means to get DSTV so that sizobukela utata.
akukho nzwana engenasiphako = There is no one without faults.
Each one of our cabinet members are said to have done wrong things. But, papa Diba’s never done such. How inspiring…
For now, though, I’ll stick to more interesting stuff; home affairs, being one.
NO offense to Mr Mandela’s diehard lovers.
J.A.Y. on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 9:26 am
@Lahvee Thanks…I’m way ahead then. Only watch SA series on TV – just cos I can’t get them on DVD.
@Dladla – the man is human therefore he had/has his flaws but trust me – if he had the kinda scandals we get from politicians these days- we’d know about it. That dude was a true leader…
Nthatisi on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 9:35 am
I remember it was a Sunday i was 9 at that time. My mom made sure i knew everything. She was either going to Nasrec or FNB Stadium where there was a gathering. I knew there was this man called Nelson Mandela who was coming back home from prison. Bear in mind that abo walter sisulu had been released mnths b4. Newspapers were filled with pictures of a chubby Mandela so evry1 was wondering how tata looked like. When i saw him on the news that night TOTALLY DIFFERENT person from pics. I GOT A GOOD MEMORY!
Kiki on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 9:37 am
Jah neh!!!!!!!!
Enkosi on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 9:38 am
I’ll catch e-tv’s doccie about Mandela this Wed @ 8, no DSTV.
I can’t remember a thing about 11 Feb 1990
.
GA on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 9:44 am
hm!..i barely remember 1994 elections, i was too yound and we ddnt have a tv at my grandpa’s. However over the years i watched too many doccies and read so many articles and books that i have a clear picture..almost like i was there…running from bo yellowmellow..lol.
No dish..I’ll catch the etv one,..plus lenna i wanna see what gives ka bo Matome le bo Buli…
Vesa on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 9:53 am
What is it about Tata that we haven’t heard to this day? I’m going with Vuyo come Thursday
mama ka Gundi on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 10:05 am
Sum1 pls buzz me when this is playing pls pls call or buzz plus vodacom has R2 airtime its def must see
mama ka Gundi on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 10:44 am
Yah neh !! Dladla freedom of speech …I dont agree with u but i feel u mina i wanna see a doccie WHat was the real reason for them to release the truth the real thruth ppl who werein exile and i the struggle know it and get very personl to talk about Eish politics
All i know is theis more to the Nelson Mandela Story than we are be told .. who really fought like who deserves the shine but his realese what very polotical Y in 1990 after 27 yrs Y??
Then comes the Chris Hani & Tsietsi Mashinini issue whuuu polotiki!!
Mogwanthi on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 10:47 am
is this channel available on compact??? i was still on nappies in 1990 so i dont know anything that happened on that day!
kazisongo on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 11:07 am
Sorry Mogwanthi its not available on compact
Miss H on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 12:28 pm
@ Kiki, undibethe emlomeni qho!
Monchooza on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 12:30 pm
maybe i am the only one(not that i care) i am so flippin tired of the madiba stories and documentaries..zonke ziyabhora maan
Cheesa on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 2:49 pm
Why doesn’t it have to be on DStv mara eish.
Strolicious on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 3:05 pm
Vuyokazi wins…even if i had a dstv i wsnt gonna tune inn……11 feb 1990,thy were toyi toying and i joined coz i love toyi toyi i ddnt have a clue wht was happening ,only fnd out uma sengifunda ugrade 5 kwi history class.
Vesa on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 3:17 pm
@ Monchooza……you are not the only one. I think we’ve had information overload about Madiba for the past 20 years.
sncura on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 3:58 pm
Why is the noise about this day only made this year? Neway I’ll pass shem, have to study as I won’t be writting about Ntate Madiba, he has his law degree nam I want mine