Last week saw the first episode of the 13-part Afrikaans travel documentary series, Rof of Spog (Rough or Smooth), aired on SABC2.
The show is produced by Marc Schwinges of Underdog with the show’s presenters, Terence Bridgett and Paul du Toit, as the executive producers.
In Rof of Spog, Bridgett and Du Toit, two of South Africa’s most popular soapie and theatre actors, guide viewers on a journey across Southern Africa. They go to the most eclectic places, meet the most eccentric locals, attempt adrenaline pumping adventures and indulge in the ultimate luxury experiences.
Schwinges describes Rof of Spog as “an adventurous and sophisticated new take on the travel, lifestyle and food genre, exploring Southern Africa in a way that’s never been done before”.
Bridgett and Du Toit have been friends for 20 years and recently launched their production company, Fanagalo Films.
Du Toit is “rough” – happiest with braai smoke in his eyes and a freshly dived crayfish steaming in kelp. He has climbed Kilimanjaro, and surfed, dived and canoed all over the world. Bridgett, however, as befits the doyenne of the social pages, is smooth”, preferring his crustacean served with the requisite Sauvignon Blanc.
In the series, directed by Johan Hendriksz, Du Toit and Bridgett tend to prefer the less mainstream points on the map. They spear mullet in the Kosi Bay fish traps, ski in the Maluti Mountains, embark on a quest for Modjadji the rain queen in Limpopo, do loxion kulcha, Soweto style and reveal their personal stories as they sing with Bridgett’s alma mater, the Drakensberg Boys Choir and Paul paddles the Dusi canoe marathon. Their varied perspectives not only allow viewers to celebrate our differences, but highlights the shared humanity of Southern Africa .
Rof of Spog is broadcast at 6pm on Fridays on SABC2.
