Kokota
Channel: Mzansi Magic (DStv 161)
TX Time: 20h00
Genre: Drama
Drama series which follows the adventures of a young man determined to make it in the music industry, against the wishes of his family.
Set in bustling Mamelodi, Kokota is an Amapiano drama about dreams that demand to be followed, no matter the cost.
The series tells the story of preacher's son Tshepang (Thato Dithebe), whose passion for music is as important to him as breathing.
He decides to surf the irresistible wave of popularity surrounding Amapiano music, despite his parents believing he is bringing shame to the family and church name.
He and his brother Tshepo (Thabang Lefoa) and a band of misfits embark on a journey to realise his dreams of becoming a star, while navigating the dangers and trappings of the music industry.
Will it pay off?
This is the story of South African youths who dare to dream beyond their circumstances and have the bravery to pursue those dreams, no matter the challenges in their way.
The characters navigate love and loyalty, but the sins of the past creep up on them while they face difficult decisions.
What has to be sacrificed to ensure the dream is realised, and what toll will it have on them?
The cast also includes Obakeng Kgwedi, Koketso Motaung, Leera Mthethwa, Molefi Monaisa, Bathabile Mashigo and Noel Baloyi.
TVSA Show Page: Kokota
Pulse of a Nation
Channel: SS PSL (DStv 202)
TX Time: 20h00
Genre: Documentary Series, Sport
NOTE: the series also airs on Mzansi Magic, starting at 21h30.
Four-part series telling one of the most dramatic and emotional stories in South African football: the creation, growth and enduring dramatics of the Premier Soccer League.
South African football is awash with stories of redemption, hope, sorrow, disappointment, fervour, fans and heroes.
One of the most enthralling of these is how the modern professional game first took root in the 1930s and wound its way through the decades, often in the face of Apartheid and its associated horrors, to offer a glorious counterpoint.
This story has finally got its due with the production of Pulse of a Nation, a documentary series that puts a lens on a critical pillar of South Africa's most popular sport.
It's a story rich in drama, controversy, heroes, pathos, and celebration.
This is a story of South African football, about many of the events and people who shaped the game.
There are, of course, many more stories and versions of history, and this account therefore isn't an attempt to be definitive or all-encompassing.
It can't be: the canvas of local football is too vast, overflowing with characters, goals and glories.
The filmmakers have drawn on historical footage, much of it rare, and used it to weave a sweeping story that is as compelling as it is startling.
At its start, it tells the tale of political figure James Mpanza, who pushed the cause of social activism by establishing a boys' club in Soweto in 1934, which in turn led to the formation of Orlando Pirates three years later.
Apartheid's degradations are a constant theme of the documentary, but as the reviled system took hold, so did the football establishment, which offered hope and happiness parallel to politics.
As an African story, the timeless tradition of oral storytelling became an element that had to be included.
The storyteller thus had to have lived experience with the world of football.
Actor Sello Maake Ka-Ncube narrates the series and is no stranger to this world - his father Joseph "Skehla" Ncube was an Orlando Pirates goalkeeper.
The most poignant imagery is associated with the early years through the 1940s, 1950s and beyond, offering a peek into a world where people like the "Magnificent Seven", a particularly special group of football-loving women, George Thabe, Kaizer Motaung and Irvin Khoza all unwittingly became architects of the vibrant game we know today.
There are several voices that add to the heady mix, including former Santos striker Duncan Crowie, who talks of the injustices of the ruling regime at the time, and of the decision by some Cape clubs not to join the National Soccer League.
Others who talk to camera are stalwarts like Khoza, Motaung, Mme Moipone Moorosi (the Iron Lady of Orlando Pirates), Shakes Mashaba and Imtiaz Patel.
The creation of Kaizer Chiefs in the early 1970s, by a Pirates' stalwart in the form of Motaung no less, gets its due treatment, so too the fairytale of Manning Rangers' unlikely title triumph.
Among the many strands was football's influence on culture, and even fashion.
It was one of the key visual drivers for Pulse of a Nation and one of the thematic elements of the show is the inimitable style of local football, showing the team shirts and jerseys that have made up the story of South African football.
Sadly, the darkest day in SA football is also brought into sharp focus as the events of April 2001, when 43 fans were crushed to death at a game at Ellis Park, are re-told.
This, finally, is the long overdue story of how football came to be the pulse of a nation.
Die Kontrak 3
Channel: eExtra (Openview 105 / StarSat 489)
TX Time: 18h00
Genre: Reality Competition, Music, Afrikaans
The record contract worth R1-million from Coleske Artists is once again up for grabs.
This year's mentors are Tarryn Lamb, Refentse, Monique Steyn and Demi Lee Moore.
They will help search for the Afrikaans music industry's next big star, with presenters Bobby van Jaarsveld and Pulane Sekepe.
Barry Pretorius, Karlien van Jaarsveld and Emo Adams will act as experts.
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace
Channel: Investigation Discovery (DStv 171 / StarSat 223)
TX Time: 21h00
Genre: Documentary Series, Mystery
Three-part docuseries which offers extraordinary access and exclusive insight into a mystery ripped straight from the headlines: Who is Natalia Barnett?
Initially assumed to be a six-year-old Ukrainian orphan with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a rare bone growth disorder that can result in skeletal abnormalities as well as issues with hearing and vision, Natalia was adopted by Kristine and Michael Barnett in 2010.
However, the happy family dynamic soured when allegations against Natalia were brought by the Barnetts who alleged Natalia was an adult masquerading as a child with intent to harm their family.
In 2013, Natalia was discovered living on her own which ignited an investigation that led to Michael and Kristine's arrest and a firestorm of questions.
It is an astonishing odyssey of deceit, colourful characters, twisted family dynamics and unbelievable testimonies.
Featuring exclusive bombshell interviews with members of Natalia's adoptive family including father Michael Barnett and brother Jacob Barnett, as well as relatives, friends, legal experts and neighbours of Natalia and the Barnett family, The Curious Case of Natalia Grace offers a never-before-seen glimpse into the Barnett family, Natalia's identity, Michael Barnett's October 2022 trial, as well as key insights into new theories and evidence.
Unfolding over multiple parts, the docuseries presents an unparalleled deep dive into this shocking family saga tracing all the way from Natalia's birth in Ukraine up to the arrest and subsequent legal proceedings around Michael Barnett on charges of neglect.
The unprecedented story is riddled with shocking allegations and explosive revelations.
Uthando Lodumo 2
Channel: Mzansi Magic (DStv 161)
TX Time: 20h30
Genre: Docu-Reality, Music
Bongekile "Babes Wodumo" Simelane and her husband, Mandla Maphumulo, popularly known as Mampintsha, return to take their fans behind the scenes of their rollercoaster lives.
In Season 1 we saw the couple concluding their lobola negotiations, celebrating their star-studded wedding and anticipating the birth of their first child, now affectionately known as "Sponge".
Now the family of three returns for another dramatic season that zooms into their lives.
The new season will show what life has been like for the couple, drawing the curtain back to reveal the story behind the most contentious headlines of the past year while also showing how the couple's careers are evolving.
Babes and Mampintsha continue to show the challenges that come with building a life with your partner.
As Mampintsha strives to mend fences between his wife and his mother, it becomes clear that Babes is not about to step back.
It's up to Mampintsha to have the difficult conversations and try to get his family to understand why Babes is putting up a fight about giving people access to her son.
This is the kind of mamezala drama that has Babes calling for Mampintsha to "be a man" and make a decision that could either estrange his wife or further alienate his mother.
In the Season 2 premiere, "The Return": A tense season premiere unfolds as we find out what led to Mampintsha's mom arriving late to the traditional wedding.
Later, Babes and Mampintsha have a heart-to-heart with their families.
Kenan
Channel: SABC2
TX Time: 19h00
Genre: Comedy
This single-camera comedy follows a widowed dad, Kenan (Kenan Thompson), who's juggling a high-profile job as the host of an Atlanta morning show and raising his two girls.
As Kenan tries to move on, his father-in-law (Don Johnson), brother and co-workers all have strong opinions on the best way to live his life.
The show centres on the familial relationships as Kenan tries to reclaim his life after his wife's death.
Kenan's daughters are his world – the too smart Aubrey and the silly, unpredictable Birdie.
He struggles to balance parenting them as a single dad and hosting his show, which leads him to reluctantly accept help from his father-in-law, Rick.
Rick was a gallivanting sax player when his daughter, Cori, was young and missed out on a lot of her childhood, so he is aiming to make that up with his granddaughters, although his old-school parenting style does not often match up to Kenan's.
At work, Kenan excels at his job with the help of his driven executive producer, Mika.
Mika can be tightly wound, especially when Gary, as Kenan's not-so-managerial manager, tries to insert himself, but Mika remains a confidante and ally to Kenan.
They are able to be vulnerable with one another and connect as friends... and maybe something more.
In the series premiere, "Pilot": Kenan thinks he's adjusted to life as a busy, single parent but after everyone confronts him about denying his grief, he realises it's time to make some changes.
Gary thinks it's time for Rick to move out of the house.