24 October 2017
SA’s first Michelin-star chef now a TV star
For the first time in SA television history, an exclusive food series will explore the work and world of SA’s first Michelin-star chef, Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen. In Jan, this award-winning chef and culinary genius will invite DStv viewers to watch how he combines French and South African cooking in his restaurant, JAN, in Nice, France. The series kicks off tonight, Tuesday, 24 October 2007, at 19:30 on the Afrikaans lifestyle channel VIA (DStv channel 147) and is simultaneously available on Showmax, both at home and abroad.
Jan gives viewers an intimate look into the life of a creative artist and the processes that inspire Jan-Hendrik to create his award-winning culinary creations. We discover how his childhood on a dairy farm in Mpumalanga prepared him for opening his restaurant in the capital of the culinary world and why he received the highest accolade in the restaurant business three years later.
“Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen is one of South Africa’s exports that fills us with pride,” says Izelle Venter, VIA’s channel head. “It is a great honour to be able to explore his inner world through the camera lens.”
Jan begins in his swanky restaurant on the French Riviera, where Hollywood stars, international sportspeople and other VIP guests queue for a table. The cameras then follow him to the small Italian village of Apricale, where he goes to recharge his batteries and to explore distinctive ingredients in the company of local characters. Each episode ends off with a spectacular dish inspired by the episode’s characters and ingredients – usually accompanied by a robust South African touch.
“Guests at my restaurant should not only say they enjoyed eating there; they must say they had a great experience,” says Jan-Hendrik, who is visiting Cape Town especially for the show launch. “The same goes for the series: we are taking the viewers on a visual and sensory journey. If viewers feel that the programme was an experience for them as well, then we have done good work.”
New episodes of Jan will air every Tuesday at 19:30, with repeats on Sundays at 20:30. The series is simultaneously available on Showmax and consists of nine 50-minute episodes in Afrikaans, French and Italian, with English subtitles. Caesarstone is the broadcast partner for the series.
Jan is produced by Carien Loubser of Brainwave Productions, well-known for TV programmes such as Bobby en Karlien: In Jou Skoene, and the kykNET hit Die Republiek van Zoid-Afrika.
Original African stories by local talent
Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S2 now, with new episodes weekly.
Made in South Africa
The Hot Seat S1
The Hot Seat promises bold banter as some of Kenya’s biggest celebrities face the heat. Stream now, with new episodes weekly.
Made in Kenya
Nairobi Bachelor S1
Nairobi Bachelor follows the journey of young bachelors and singletons on a quest to find their perfect match. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in Kenya
Spooksoeker S1
When Warno Alberts turns 15, he suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in South Africa
4Play
4Play follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in Kenya
Die Tollie & Manila Show
A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
Made in South Africa
The Station Strangler
The Station Strangler is a true-crime documentary investigating the serial killer who is believed to have killed 21 young boys and one adult from the late 80s to the mid-90s on the Cape Flats. Now available to stream.
Made in South Africa
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.
Made in KenyaThe Hot Seat, now streaming
Nairobi Bachelor, now on Showmax
The best movies to stream
The Grinch list: 10 movies and series for the “bah humbug!” crowd
There comes a point in all the jolly holly festive fun when even the merriest of gentlemen need to blow off some silly season steam.
11 Christmas movies with love, sugar and spice from Africa
These 11 festive films from Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria will remind you of the joys of home during the holidays.
Made in South Africa
12 days of Christmas movies
Grinches, elves, kids, lovers and fighters unite! It’s time for 12 days of jolly holly movie action to get you in the holiday spirit.
10 book-to-screen adaptations for kids
These series and movies for kids of all ages bring imagination to life as characters step off the page and onto the screen in Wonka, Tabby McTat, His Dark Materials and more.