
Helderberg S1
Just after midnight on 28 November 1987, Mauritian air traffic control lost contact with South African Airways Flight SA 295, shortly after it had started its approach to the island’s Plaisance Airport, en route from Taipei to Johannesburg. After being unable to reach the plane again, an emergency was declared – but South Africa’s worst-ever commercial aviation disaster had already taken place.
Almost four decades later, mystery still surrounds the exact cause of the fire that saw the Boeing 747, named Helderberg, crash into the Indian Ocean and claim the lives of all 159 passengers and crew aboard. Was it simply an accident – or an act of treachery?
Helderberg is produced by Relish Media and local true-crime pioneers IdeaCandy, the production company behind award winners like Steinheist and Devilsdorp and record-breakers like Tracking Thabo Bester and Rosemary’s Hitlist.
Writing in Daily Maverick, Noelle Adams hailed Helderberg as “a must-watch... slickly made and visually dynamic.”
More like this

Must-watch trailer: Brakpan Chronicles: Die mense sê, kom in
Watch the hard-hitting trailer for the two-part documentary series Brakpan Chronicles, premiering on Showmax on Friday, 20 February 2026.

Wizkid: Long Live Lagos (2025)
This intimate and uplifting documentary explores Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Wizkid's rise to superstardom as one of the biggest Afrobeats artists.

Helderberg S1
South Africa suffered its worst air disaster in 1987. The hunt for the truth about what happened to SAA Flight 295 is still on almost 40 years later.

Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy (2025)
This sensational documentary delves into the rise and fall of Diddy, offering insight into his childhood, his meteoric rise, and his arrest.

Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch
Jackie Phamotse opens up about her role on Slay Queens, her experiences and why the documentary should be required viewing. Stream now on Showmax.

High Horse: The Black Cowboy S1
Jordan Peele creates this vibrant, eye-opening three-part pop culture and historical documentary. It confronts and reclaims the Wild West while revealing the untold history of the Black cowboy.

You Were My First Boyfriend (2023)
In this introspective high school reunion movie turned inside out, filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo relives her tortured adolescence.

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God S1
This HBO docuseries explores the rise and fall of cult leader Amy Carlson, aka Mother God. As her health declined, followers awaited UFO salvation.
Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax
Go on holiday with RHUGT: Africa
More eye-opening documentaries

Eye-opening homegrown documentaries to stream
These unmissable South African shows and movies deliver surprising insights on the country we're living in today.

Wild Wild Space and 10 more titles to join your space race
We have liftoff! As new HBO documentary Wild Wild Space takes us into low orbit, mission control has 10 more titles ready for space junkies, from Apollo 13 to Interstellar.

Anatomy of Lies: Women who con
Grey’s Anatomy’s most shocking medical case took place behind the scenes. Find out how co-executive producer and writer Elisabeth Finch faked cancer and personal tragedy, and meet five more of the world’s most questionable con women.

A Very Royal Scandal: 5 downfall documentaries and drama series
What do Prince Andrew, King Juan Carlos I, Sean Combs, Alex Jones, and Markus Jooste have in common? In-depth documentaries more shocking than an Oscar-winning movie!
Latest Stories

What to watch on Showmax in January 2026

Die Kwiksilwers (2024)

Where to see the cast of Mpondoland on Showmax

Angel on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, Jojo and more

Thandolwethu Zondi on his new role in Outlaws S2
Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed

Fana Mokoena on playing a sangoma in Masinga

Tlali returns: Outlaws’ most loved and hated villain is back

What to watch on Showmax in December 2025

Afrikaans adaptation of The Office to premiere in January
.png&w=2560&q=80)
Youngins' Kealeboga Masango on Buhle's pregnancy shock

Where to see the cast of Outlaws S2 on Showmax

Mamodibe as Buang: The woman behind the warrior in Outlaws

From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals

Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more

“No one wins in war” - Nikki Comninos on Unspoken War
Reney Bouwer gets candid in Showmax documentary Slay Queens

Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites

Hakeem Kae-Kazim on Showmax crime thriller Masinga - The Calling

Lehlohonolo Mayeza on Leruo’s battles in Outlaws Season 2
Slay Queens: Inno Morolong on the dark side of the lifestyle

10 fun things to watch on World Animation Day

Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa

What to watch on Showmax in November 2025







