Nelson Mandela TV series in the works


By Content Nigeria reporter
March 22, 2024

News
Josh Wakely will produce the life of Nelson Mandela

A television series titled Mandela, depicting the remarkable life of South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, is currently in development.

This 30-episode project will be spearheaded by Australian director, screenwriter and producer Josh Wakely (Beat Bugs, Motown Magic) through his production company, Grace: a Storytelling Company.

Wakely secured rights to Mandela’s life after a deal with House of Mandela Entertainment, the media arm of the Mandela estate.

The series will delve into Mandela’s journey, from his 27-year imprisonment as a political dissident to his historic election as South Africa’s first democratically elected president. Focused on Mandela’s relentless pursuit to dismantle apartheid, the show aims to provide an intimate portrayal of his struggles and triumphs.

Wakely, South African writer and director Kagiso Lediga (Queen Sono) and producer Kweku Mandela will serve as executive producers and writers for Mandela.

“Few people in history have made the kind of extraordinary political, cultural and humanitarian impact as Nelson Mandela. Our creative mission is to show how Mandela found himself navigating a complex web of people who either supported or opposed him as he lived and breathed the fragility, failures and triumphs of the anti-apartheid movement,” said Wakely.

“The life of Mandela has always been a singular obsession of mine. With Kweku Mandela and Kagiso Ladiga, I look forward to bringing new light, insights and previously undramatized detail to this most iconic of stories.”

The release date of the series, and the service on which it will air, are yet to be announced.