29 July 2019
Madiba: ‘n Uitsonderlike Roeping
Zelda la Grange was Nelson Mandela’s private secretary for nearly 20 years, accompanying him all over the world. From their first meeting, when he spoke Afrikaans to her and moved her to tears, to his last days, she was his constant companion, loyal employee and confidante. Now, she reflects on what made him the incredible man and statesman he was in this six-part documentary series.
“When you spend two decades of your life with somebody, and you lose them, it takes time to realise what impact that person’s life had on your own life and that of the rest of the world. This is the case with me and Nelson Mandela,” she says. With this in mind, she travels to the Eastern Cape to explore Madiba’s rural beginnings, and traces his long walk from there, to Johannesburg, to the hallways of power.
This fascinating series includes exclusive interviews with family, friends and celebrities including Graça Machel, chief Zwelivelile Mandela, Bono and Morgan Freeman.
The six-part documentary is broadcast in Afrikaans with English subtitles and will be streaming on Showmax at the same time it’s broadcast on kykNET.
The Mommy Club NBO now streaming
The Chocolate Empire, now streaming
The best movies to stream

Here, and 15 more great movies to cry about
Whether you’re looking to shed happy tears or shed part of your soul, we have movies centred on love in all its forms to help you, starting with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright’s Here.

The best kids’ shows and movies to stream during school holidays
Showmax has loads of fun to look forward to during school holidays in June/July 2025, including blockbuster movies for the whole family.

Elphaba and Glinda’s Wicked little guide
Find out what Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have to say about Wicked, pick up 10 magical behind-the-scenes facts, and explore 7 more schools of witchcraft and wizardry.

Twisters and 5 other man-versus-nature nail biters
Tornado alert! A category F5 spin on the blockbuster 1996 movie Twister has just touched ground to sweep us up in the terrifying power of nature. Find out about how it was made, and what to watch next.