Imvelogy
Channel: SABC2
TX Time: 17h00
Genre: Nature, Lifestyle, Factual, Documentary Series
It has become a common misconception that in order for conservation principles to be understood, they can only be addressed from a western ideology and scientific perspective.
A truth that has never been explored enough in conservation is the value of indigenous knowledge in the protection of the natural world.
Our indigenous cultures and clans hold flora and fauna in the highest regard.
The natural world is so embedded in who we are, that references to plants and animals can be found in names, surnames and clan names.
Clans have made plants, animals, rivers and mountains their totems.
For many of them, these are not just names that were chosen at random. The totems are an indication of the values and beliefs of that clan, and they reveal a lot about the history of that culture.
The association with wildlife has significance and it is this significance that is explored in this hybrid nature-culture series.
There are insights into our cultural history and languages as the series peers deeper into the the relationship they have with the wilderness.
In so doing the show aims to enlighten South Africans about how conservation has always been the indigenous people's way of life and that the wilderness would have a better chance if we regain that respect cultures have always had with their environments.
Terms like "greening" and "sustainability" are contemporary terms, but the ideals have been there for centuries.
This conservation ethic contained in cultural knowledge systems has been branded as "Traditional Ecological Knowledge" and the scientific community is increasingly recognising its value and utility.
The irony is that South Africa, with a high cultural diversity, has a low exploration of this Traditional Ecological Knowledge in comparison to the rest of the world.
Imvelogy is a step towards remedying that.
The title of the show is a fusion of "IMVELO" (nature) and "OLOGY" (the science of), which suggests that it is about the science of nature, but from a cultural and indigenous knowledge perspective.
The series travels across South Africa and in each episode we get acquainted with a contemporary character who serves as the inspiration behind the exploration of a particular clan and its totem.
These contemporary characters are innovators whose work contributes to the conservation of our environment, and who have a thirst for knowledge about the background of their clans and the relationship with the natural world.
This takes us on a journey of discovery, where the knowledge from clan elders is combined with that of cultural history experts and African language academics, to bring us a greater understanding of how exactly our roots are aligned with conservation.
The traditional ecological knowledge and conservation ethic contained in cultural teachings are highlighted and their value in the modern is explored.
The narrative is driven by the voices of the participants in the show in a documentary-style format.
Each episode is themed according to a specific clan and is opened with a praise-poetry performance of the clan's praises, by a local praise poet.
Loli's Luck!
Channel: Telemundo (DStv 118)
TX Time: 22h00
Genre: Telenovela
Loli's Luck! tells the story of Loli Aguilar, a single and successful executive producer at Global Radio Group, the top broadcast network on the US West Coast.
As Loli's career continues to rise, her love life takes the back seat while she enjoys her freedom and a commitment-free life.
She's a woman who has never found true love and has made the decision to never have children of her own.
However, her life turns upside down when her best friend Mariana suddenly passes away, leaving everything to Loli - including her two children.
The news takes everyone by surprise, especially Loli, who feels she is the least qualified person to raise her best friend's kids.
Loli will have to face her new reality and learn, through the struggles, that the most important thing isn't her career as she discovers that the true meaning of life's success is family and love.
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This is Fate 4
Channel: Zee World (DStv 166)
TX Time: 21h00
Genre: Telenovela
It seems like everything has finally fallen into place for Karen and Preeta.
However, Mahira tries everything to make sure there is always tension and unhappiness.
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Africa from Within
Channel: SABC2
TX Time: 19h30
Genre: Wildlife, Nature, Documentary Series
Follows the journeys of presenters Shanice May and Khaya Tlou, who travel to various locations in order to delve into the inner workings and untold stories of unsung heroes.
At its core Africa from Within is all about grassroots storytelling and the showcasing of the conservation contributions of ordinary people, to Africa - our own positive conservation stories.
The series aims to bring conservation heroes to the fore.
These heroes are diverse and reflective of a South African and African landscape that rings true to all its people.
It aims to highlight local solutions to our environmental problems and feature strengths already existing in the community and traditional knowledge systems.
It aims to showcase South African (and potentially other African) landscapes, flora and fauna.
It also aims to engage and entertain, educate and promote conservation and inspire viewers to value our natural heritage.