12 August 2019
Whispering Truth to Power (2018)
Few people have done as much to root out corruption in South Africa as former Public Protector, advocate and professor of law Thuli Madonsela. Her relentless investigation into the machinations of the regime of former president Jacob Zuma and his cohorts exposed the deep rot in government and changed the country. She is a deeply impressive person – and you can get to know her in the 2018 doccie Whispering Truth to Power, now streaming First on Showmax.
The documentary gives insight into Thuli’s warm and magnetic personality, which, coupled with her steely resolve and no-nonsense persona, make her come across as the kind of person you don’t want to mess with. It’s gritty, to the point and real.
There are visuals from news broadcasts where a lot of ugly things are said about the former Public Protector by politicians who wanted to see her fail as she investigated the well-publicised State Capture in South Africa’s political and government spheres.
As well as being a fascinating film, Whispering Truth to Power is an important one. If you’re South African, no matter where you are in the world, you need to watch it. And when former President Jacob Zuma says, “This was investigated in a funny way,” realise just how important Thuli Madonsela’s work was and how crucial it is that we all try to carry on her legacy in any small way we can.
SA celebs open up about divorce on Untied
The action heats up on Empini
More Mzansi gold

Jojo dishes on her Real Housewives of Durban journey
Now that Season 5 of The Real Housewives of Durban has come to an end, Jojo opens up about her relationship with Nonku, and which cosmetic procedure is most like RHOD.

10 South African true-crime series, ranked
From The ABC Killer to Tracking Thabo Bester, these true-crime documentary series explore some of South Africa’s darkest crime stories – all available to stream on Showmax.

Must-watch trailer: upcoming Showmax reality show Vaal Riviera
Watch the explosive trailer for Vaal Riviera, a reality series following four families from the Vaal Triangle. Premiering 22 August on Showmax.

Christopher Reeve documentary on Showmax get four Emmy nods
South African producer Robert Ford discusses his Emmy-nominated documentary, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, which premieres on Showmax on Friday, 25 July 2025.