Days that Shocked the World: Chernobyl
Channel: Discovery Channel (DStv 121)
TX Time: 21h00
Genre: Documentary Series, History, Factual
Days that Shocked the World explores the most iconic disasters of the last 50 years, combining eyewitness testimony with powerful archive footage, to learn how each tragedy changed both the lives of individuals and the world.
On 26 April, 1986, in the middle of the night, a huge explosion rocked the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, killing workers and blasting radioactive dust into the atmosphere.
This was the worst nuclear accident in history, yet the Soviet State tried to cover it up.
Revisiting one of the most defining disasters of the 20th century, the documentary reconstructs the events of 26 April, 1986 through rare archive footage and first hand testimony from those who lived in Pripyat or worked at the nuclear plant.
Their accounts reveal how the catastrophe was concealed from the world, even from local residents, as radiation silently spread across the region.
A chemical engineer recalls leaving the reactor the night before to celebrate her birthday, only to learn the next day that colleagues had died.
A doctor describes the first victim brought in, whose skin had turned blue from radiation exposure.
Others remember how life continued as normal: one resident went to school while the reactor was already burning, unaware of the danger despite helicopters circling overhead.
Even as 50,000 people were evacuated from Pripyat, the outside world remained in the dark until alarming radiation levels were detected in Sweden, forcing Soviet leaders to acknowledge the truth.
As conflict returns to the region today, Days that Shocked the World: Chernobyl examines why the disaster's legacy feels more urgent than ever.
The film explores how Chernobyl reshaped global nuclear policy, accelerated advances in safety protocols, and continues to influence debates around energy, sustainability, and geopolitics — making this factual, survivor-driven perspective both timely and essential.
Episode 1
The 50,000 residents of nearby Pripyat know nothing until officials order a full evacuation 36 hours later.
Episode 2
Soviet authorities blame operator error for Chernobyl, deliberately hiding a reactor design flaw.
A vast steel arch seals the wreckage and ruins in 2016, but a Russian drone strike in 2025 threatens fresh radiation releases.
Msebenzi
Channel: SABC1
TX Time: 19h30
Genre: Comedy
Sitcom set in Soweto which follows Msebenzi, a 30-year-old smooth-talker with no real interest in a career, who uses any means to stay afloat and escape his biggest problem: money.
Msebenzi's (Thomas Gumede) schemes upend the lives of friends, family and neighbours, causing chaos, occasional wins and unintended consequences.
Duduzile Ngcobo plays MaGumede, Msebenzi's persistent and overbearing mother, whose primary concern is her son's unemployment.
She constantly nags him to find a job, and when he fails to take the initiative, she takes matters into her own hands.
The role of MaMthimkhulu, the next-door neighbour, the official MmaMghobozi who just can't resist the temptation of prying into other people's business, is played by Nthabiseng Gwinya.
Mondli Nkomo plays the role of Bab'Mthimkhulu, a devoted husband and a respected man about town.
Kedibone Mulaudzi is Mulaudzi, Msebenzi's loyal friend who makes a living working as a chicken mascot.
Mulaudzi motivates Msebenzi to improve his situation and find a job.
Rounding out the cast is Bongani Dube as Dion, a no-nonsense chartered accountant.
Dion is passionately preoccupied with work, unlike his friends. He is fully aware and takes full advantage of it.
He has not lost sight of his potential, which is packed tight with ambition and he is fast climbing the corporate ladder.
In the series premiere: Msebenzi, a flashy but unemployed 30-year-old, returns home with expensive designer clothes, sparking suspicion from his fed-up mother, Mme Motlhabane, who is tired of supporting him and his children.
Determined to prove himself, Msebenzi makes a brief attempt at job hunting but quickly abandons it, choosing instead to hustle a stranger with a questionable Forex scheme.
TVSA Show Page: Msebenzi
Food Trail: South Africa
Channel: Food Network (DStv 175)
TX Time: 11h30
Genre: Food, Travel
A food and travel series uncovering the diverse cuisine and people of South Africa.
Hosted by chef Warren Mendes, the series explores the corners of the country through recipes and food.
The series is an humorous and honest exploration of the country through travel, cultural experiences, recipes and the people behind them.
With Warren as guide, viewers will embark on a journey through South Africa's remarkable regions, across deserts, coasts, mountains, savannahs and bustling cities, to discover the country's rich and fascinating culinary history.
Forged from its role in the Spice Trade - a conduit to new flavours, and the multiculturalism that led to it becoming known as 'Rainbow Nation', few countries have such strong yet diverse cultural influences in food - with incredible Indian cuisine in Durban, a heavy Malaysian presence in Cape Town, hearty Dutch and German traditional cooking and of course a fascinating native food culture.
In the series premiere, "Kruger Safari": Warren makes his first stop at Kruger Shalati or Train on the Bridge and explores its amazing structure.
He further indulges in a memorable safari and prepares a delicious dessert.
In the second episode of the weekly double bill, "Eating Johannesburg": Warren indulges in the vibrant flavours and surroundings of the Sandton neighbourhood.
Later, he chows down at Zioux, a hip eatery and bar with a South American flair.
Marianne 2
Channel: eExtra (Openview 105 / StarSat 489 / DStv 195)
TX Time: 19h00
Genre: Drama
Investigating Judge Marianne Vauban is well-known for being deliciously outspoken and prone to unorthodox methods.
Working alongside Captain Pastor and her loyal court clerk Yves, Marianne must put her experience, wisdom and empathy to good use as she investigates complex cases in some pretty outlandish contexts.
In the Season 2 premiere, "Hardball": The body of hotelier Gérard Loiret is found on a riverbank and it's murder by pétanque ball.
Is the local rivalry around the game so ruthless?
Meanwhile, Marianne helps teenager Zacharie.