Scene Release

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Trevor Mcdonald: Return To South Africa

“It’s over thirty years since I saw for myself the horrors of Apartheid South Africa. To mark what would have been Nelson Mandela’s one hundredth birthday, I’ve returned to the visit places where I saw moments that would change the

history of a country.” Sir Trevor McDonald

Nelson Mandela would have celebrated his one hundredth birthday this year and in this one hour documentary to mark this, Trevor McDonald is back in the country which he first visited as a journalist at the height of Apartheid. Trevor was the first journalist to interview Mandela after his release from prison – and witnessed history in the making.

Since then South African society has gone through profound changes. But, is it still a land defined by division, inequality and violent crime – or can Mandela’s vision of a Rainbow Nation Mandela be seen in today’s South Africa?

In this highly personal and deeply affecting journey, Trevor goes to Vilakazi Street, the site of Nelson Mandela’s family home, and the place where he conducted the first interview with him following his release from prison after 27 years incarceration – an interview which Trevor describes as the pinnacle of his life in journalism.

Mandela changed South Africa forever – from both inside and outside his prison cell. But how much of what he wished for has come to pass? And what future for this country of great contrasts?