Season 1
Being Mandela is an American reality television series produced by New Visions Pictures which follows sisters Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and Swati Dlamini, granddaughters of former South African president Nelson Mandela, giving viewers an inside look at their lives, close-knit family and personal aspirations.
The series aired in the USA on Cozi TV from 10 February to 5 May, 2013. There are 15 half-hour episodes in the series.
Being Mandela premiered in South Africa on FOX (DStv and TopTV) with a double bill on Wednesday 17 April 2013, at 20h15. Thereafter new episodes broadcast weekly at 20h35, preceded by a repeat of the previous episode at 20h15.
Synopsis
Being Mandela is a reality television show based around the Mandela granddaughters which chronicles their lives in the limelight and the trials and tribulations that come with being a Mandela.
It's not just about a family that's internationally recognized, but about three women breaking away from their family legacy, trying to find their independence.
This show follows the next generation of this unique South African family through the experiences of sisters Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway, Swati Dlamini and their cousin Dorothy Adjoa Amuah, giving viewers a window into their daily lives, close knit family, conflicts and personal aspirations.
Being Mandela principally features the engaging sisterly duo of Zaziwe and Swati, who are the daughters of Zenani Mandela Dlamini, Nelson and Winnie Mandela's daughter, and Prince Thumbumuzi Dlamini, a Prince of Swaziland.
Both women were born in South Africa, but spent much of their youth in exile in the United States while their grandfather was imprisoned.
The executive producers of Being Mandela are Damien Brown, Rick Leed and Jonathan Zager. It was directed by Graeme Swanepoel.