Born After the Fire
Channel: SABC1
TX Time: 18h00
Genre: Documentary Series
This documentary series commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprisings by exploring the state of South Africa through the eyes of the generation born into democracy.
For thirteen weeks, using June 16 as both a historical anchor and a lens for reflection, the series will examine the aspirations, struggles, achievements and realities of young South Africans across a range of critical themes that continue to shape the nation.
Each episode connects the legacy of 1976 to a contemporary issue, including education, employment, entrepreneurship, leadership, social justice, technology, health, arts and culture, identity and nation-building.
The show asks whether the dreams of the youth who marched for freedom have been realised and what work remains.
Through powerful personal stories, thought-provoking interviews, historical archives, expert insights and journeys into communities across the country, the series creates a dialogue between generations.
Activists, educators, business leaders, artists, policymakers and ordinary citizens share their perspectives alongside young South Africans who are defining the country's future.
At its heart, Born After The Fire is both a commemoration and a conversation.
It honours the courage of those who changed the course of history while challenging a new generation to reflect on their role in shaping the next 50 years.
The series celebrates resilience, interrogates progress and asks difficult but necessary questions about freedom, opportunity, equality and the future of South Africa.
Episode 1: Education
This episode highlights the current education system through the unadulterated accounts of unemployment and system failure.
Nevertheless, the story shifts gears to hope, showcasing how efforts encouraging teachers, the drive towards technology and the need for craftsmanship have made a difference.
It finally succeeds in narrowing the generation gap by comparing the hardships of the 1980s/90s with those of the present generation.
Episode 2: Freedom
Freedom According To Us examines what it means to live 50 years after June 16 by addressing the distinction between being politically free and living the reality of that freedom.
This question is posed: What is freedom? - using raw and authentic points of view from three generations:
- today's youth experiencing oppression,
- 1976 activists looking back on their struggles,
- and the 1994 generation who had to navigate disillusionment.
Episode 3: Unemployment
Fifty years after June 16, employment in South Africa shines the spotlight on the struggle against economic oppression.
The episode poses an ultimate question: Is the quest for jobs the unfinished revolution for those born after the fire?
It once again blends three different generations, explroing them from these perspectives:
- the "born-free" generation fighting against unemployment,
- the 1976 generation that doubts the significance of politics in the absence of economic respectability,
- and the generation of 1994 that struggles to balance education and inclusion.
Episode 4: Leadership
Fifty years after June 16, Born After the Fire discusses the deviation of South Africa's leadership from the fundamentals of serving the country.
The episode poses a critical question: What sort of leadership is required by South Africa to meet its democratic destiny? - unpacking them from these three points of view:
- today's young generation grappling with corruption and unfulfilled pledges,
- the 1976 generation comparing past discipline with the current leadership,
- and the 1994 transition generation that struggles with the shortcomings in public services.
War of the Kingdoms
Channel: S3
TX Time: 19h00
Genre: Period Drama, Fantasy
Inspired by the ancient legend, old magic is dying, and enemies are rising in this epic tale of war, vengeance and love.
Bound by duty and loyalty to the kingdom, Hagen is a soldier and Lord Commander ready to serve and stand by his King.
But he has a secret - he is deeply in love with Princess Kriemhild. A love that will never be permitted.
His world is turned upside down as the Huns threaten to invade and an unexpected guest – Siegfried the legendary dragon slayer – arrives.
The King, determined to strengthen his kingdom, seeks a new wife, Brunhild – the famous Valkyrie queen with old magic powers.
To secure her hand, he requires the help of both Siegfried and Hagen.
A dramatic and ultimately catastrophic series of events unfold in this sweeping tale of love, power and war.
In the series premiere: King Dankrat of Burgundy has brought order, stability, prosperity and peace to the land and its people for many years.
His daughter Kriemhild and her three brothers Gunter, Gernot and Giselher were raised alongside a young boy he saved from a fallen kingdom, Hagen of Tronje.
He grew up to be Dankrat's most loyal servant, esteemed soldier and trusted advisor.
Jamie's Air Fryer Meals
Channel: BBC UKTV (DStv 134)
TX Time: 19h05
Genre: Food
Jamie Oliver shows us how to elevate our culinary credentials with the latest kitchen craze, as he brings us some delicious dishes and innovative ways to make the most of our air fryers.
The series is packed full of clever ideas, tips and tricks, as Jamie aims to truly maximize the potential of the air fryer.
In the series premiere: Jamie cooks prosciutto-baked fish, followed by cheese and chive scones, then a whole roast chicken curry and crispy pork noodles.
Bill Maher: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
Channel: Netflix South Africa
TX Time: 10h00
Genre: Comedy, Awards, Special
Louis C.K., Whitney Cummings, Woody Harrelson and more gather to celebrate comedy icon Bill Maher as he accepts the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Also present are Matt Friend, Arianna Huffington, Jay Leno and John Mellencamp.