e.tv Press

The internationally-acclaimed drama Roots, starring Forest Whitaker, Laurence Fishburne, Anna Paquin and Malachi Kirby, and featuring local stars Nokuthula Ledwaba, Mbulelo Grootboom and Nandi Nyembe, makes its free-to-air television debut on e.tv on Monday, 6 November at 20h30.

The harrowing miniseries chronicles the story of an African man sold into slavery in America and his descendants. In the 1770s Kunta Kinte (Kirby) is kidnapped from West Africa and sold to a British slave trader. His journey intensifies as it unfolds, introducing viewers to the lives of the enslaved and showing the brutality, abuse and sexual violence they endure over generations.

A remake of the 1977 miniseries based on Alex Haley’s classic novel of the same name, Roots’ worldwide appeal can be credited to its awe-inspiring international locations and award-winning cast. South African viewers will recognise a number of these locations, with spectacular scenes filmed at Mtunzini’s Umlalazi River and in the Dlinza Forest, near Eshowe, in KwaZulu-Natal.

The star-studded American cast is supported by well-known South African actors Nokuthula Ledwaba, Mbulelo Grootboom and Nandi Nyembe. SAFTA nominee Ledwaba burst onto the scene as wild child Lu in Backstage, before playing diva-in-the-making Tshidi Khuse on Rhythm City and then starring as Dumile in Umlilo. Grootboom recently starred as Ntlonipho ‘Killer’ Nxasana in the e.tv drama series Z’bondiwe and played Tony in the 2009 feature film White Wedding. Nyembe is a familiar face having appeared in numerous television series and movies, including Jacob’s Cross, Soul City, Yizo Yizo, Izoso Connexion,
Soul Buddyz and 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls.

Catch Roots, from Monday 6 November 2017 at 20h30 to 22h30 on e.tv and eHD on OpenView HD (Channel 104) and DStv (Channel 194). The internationally-acclaimed miniseries will run over four weeks, with weekly two-hour episodes.

See the promo clip below:

eNCA in partnership with Discovery Invest, bring you a new weekly show to tackle issues in the business, finance and economic environments. Taking Stock is an in-depth interview programme, which blends news-driven topics and off-the-wall thought-provoking issues. Taking Stock will start on 4 October 2017 at 17h30 on eNCA.

Influential brands, such as Discovery Invest and eNCA, believe it is essential to get the country to take stock of its intractable challenges and to help South Africans make sense of their business landscape. eNCA managing director and editor-in-chief, Mapi Mhlangu, says, “As part of the expansion of its coverage of business and the economy, eNCA welcomes Bruce Whitfield to its lineup. The popularity of our flagship business show, Moneyline, is an indication that our audience has interest in business content on South Africa as the region’s economic hub. Under the stewardship of business & economics editor, Phathiswa Magopeni, and Whitfield, eNCA has every confidence that Taking Stock will charter a new territory in business news coverage during these politically and economically turbulent times.”

Discovery’s ethos is centred on stimulating minds by providing South Africa access to leading thinkers and experts to promote positive behavioural change. Discovery Invest’s sponsorship of this show is a manifestation of this ethos to educate the public on financial matters, with the aim of promoting and encouraging a savings culture as a requisite for long term personal and national financial stability.

Seasoned broadcaster, Whitfield brings wealth of experience to eNCA and the show. He will talk to influential minds in business, policymakers and trailblazers about what informs their decision-making and how they see their roles in tackling the country’s economic challenges in their respective domains. “I cannot wait to take stock with some of South Africa’s most powerful voices on money and business on eNCA. It’s a great opportunity to really dig into the biggest issues facing South Africa today,” says Whitfield.

Join Bruce Whitfield as he brings you Taking Stock from Wednesday 4 October 2017. The episodes premiere on Wednesdays at 17h30 and will repeat on Thursdays at 13h30, Saturdays at 13h00 and Sundays at 21h30 on eNCA on DStv (Channel 403).