Archbishop Desmond Tutu coming soon to a television near you
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is one of the most iconic and instantly recognisable South Africans in the world. He's won a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to bring down apartheid and is an ardent human rights activist, campaigning against man's inhumanity towards man all around the world. He's also well-known for his charm and characteristic sense of humour. Now, he's branching out and adding other titles to his name, such a voice over artist - he provides the voice for one of the characters in South Africa's new animated movie, Jock of the Bushveld - and TV show host.
The Arch, as he is fondly known, took the time out of his manically busy schedule to film The South African Story with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It's a unique travel show that not only visits some of South Africa's most beautiful destinations, but also delves into the areas' history, the culture of the local residents and includes interviews with some of the regions' characters.
The series was filmed between December 2009 and April 2010 with the intention of releasing it to an international audience in time for the Soccer World Cup. South African TV viewers have had to wait an extra eight months or so for it to hit their screens. It debuted on SA television on Tuesday 1 February on SABC 3, one of the free channels provided by the state-owned public broadcaster. It was directed and produced by Roger Friedman and Benny Gool, who have built themselves considerable reputations as South African journalists.
According to The Media Online, the aim of the show is to "contextualise" where South Africa has been as a nation, as well as where it's going. As Friedman says, the message of the series is that South Africans shouldn't lose sight of the progress they have made over the past 17 years.
It's an important message to hold onto as the country heads towards regional elections and political parties once again make promises about service delivery and job creation. The two issues have become the proverbial hot potato, more so now than ever before. Protests against poor service delivery are becoming increasingly common, and violent, and COSATU (Congress of South Africa Trade Unions) is stepping up its campaign for "decent work", which includes doing away with casual and temporary labour.
It's during times like this, when anger and frustration threaten to boil over, that people most need to be reminded of the beauty of their country and rediscover their pride. Friedman says, "South Africa is a very politically conscious society. We must not let the fact of our consciousness get us down. We should take more credit than we often allow ourselves. There are many things that we have done, and do, incredibly well."
Amen.
The Arch, as he is fondly known, took the time out of his manically busy schedule to film The South African Story with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It's a unique travel show that not only visits some of South Africa's most beautiful destinations, but also delves into the areas' history, the culture of the local residents and includes interviews with some of the regions' characters.
The series was filmed between December 2009 and April 2010 with the intention of releasing it to an international audience in time for the Soccer World Cup. South African TV viewers have had to wait an extra eight months or so for it to hit their screens. It debuted on SA television on Tuesday 1 February on SABC 3, one of the free channels provided by the state-owned public broadcaster. It was directed and produced by Roger Friedman and Benny Gool, who have built themselves considerable reputations as South African journalists.
According to The Media Online, the aim of the show is to "contextualise" where South Africa has been as a nation, as well as where it's going. As Friedman says, the message of the series is that South Africans shouldn't lose sight of the progress they have made over the past 17 years.
It's an important message to hold onto as the country heads towards regional elections and political parties once again make promises about service delivery and job creation. The two issues have become the proverbial hot potato, more so now than ever before. Protests against poor service delivery are becoming increasingly common, and violent, and COSATU (Congress of South Africa Trade Unions) is stepping up its campaign for "decent work", which includes doing away with casual and temporary labour.
It's during times like this, when anger and frustration threaten to boil over, that people most need to be reminded of the beauty of their country and rediscover their pride. Friedman says, "South Africa is a very politically conscious society. We must not let the fact of our consciousness get us down. We should take more credit than we often allow ourselves. There are many things that we have done, and do, incredibly well."
Amen.
