Iconic anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela’s life is set to be the focus of a 30-hour scripted TV series titled ‘Mandela.’ The project, currently in development under writer/producer Josh Wakely’s Grace: A Storytelling Company, aims to chronicle Mandela’s journey from 27 years as a political prisoner to becoming South Africa’s first freely elected president.
Wakely secured the TV series life rights to Mandela through House of Mandela Entertainment, the media arm of the Mandela estate. Executive producing and writing alongside South African writer/director Kagiso Lediga and producer Kweku Mandela (Nelson Mandela’s grandson), Wakely envisions ‘Mandela’ as a multi-season saga akin to Netflix’s ‘The Crown,’ highlighting Mandela’s struggle against apartheid and his eventual presidency after his release from prison in 1990.
“The life of Mandela has always been a singular obsession of mine,” stated Wakely. “With Kweku Mandela and Kagiso Lediga, I look forward to bringing new light, insights, and previously undramatized detail to this most iconic of stories.”
The project, financed by Grace: A Storytelling Company, aims to attract premium cable and streaming outlets with plans for production commencing in early 2025. Universal Music Group is set to curate the ‘Mandela’ soundtrack, leveraging its international catalog.
In addition to ‘Mandela,’ Wakely has been actively pursuing various real-life intellectual properties for series development, including securing rights to boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Kweku Mandela, president of House of Mandela Entertainment and chief vision officer for Global Citizen, expressed the urgency of Mandela’s story, highlighting its relevance in today’s world.
“His life was filled with danger and events that would, and now still, capture the world’s attention,” Mandela remarked. “The series will reflect that urgent tone, not as a period piece, but as a pressing, pertinent, and fast-paced drama that feels like it’s happening now.”
Lediga, known for creating Netflix’s African original series ‘Queen Sono’ and recently completing the Sony Pictures TV series ‘Classified’ for Prime Video, brings his expertise to ‘Mandela,’ ensuring a compelling portrayal of Mandela’s life and legacy.
Born in 1918 in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, Mandela initially pursued a career in law, becoming involved in anti-colonial politics and activism against the oppressive apartheid regime.
The apartheid system, which enforced racial segregation and discrimination, deeply entrenched inequality and injustice in South African society. Mandela’s activism against apartheid led to his involvement in the African National Congress (ANC), a political party dedicated to fighting for the rights of black South Africans.
In 1962, Mandela was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in anti-apartheid activities. He spent 27 years behind bars, during which time he became a symbol of resistance against apartheid both domestically and internationally. Mandela’s imprisonment only served to strengthen his resolve and elevate his stature as a global icon of freedom and justice.
Finally released in 1990 amid growing pressure both domestically and internationally, Mandela emerged from prison with a vision of reconciliation and democracy for South Africa. His leadership during the transition from apartheid to democracy was instrumental in preventing widespread violence and laying the groundwork for a peaceful and inclusive future.
In 1994, Mandela made history by becoming South Africa’s first democratically elected president, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of hope and progress for the nation. Throughout his presidency and beyond, Mandela remained committed to promoting reconciliation, social justice, and human rights, earning him widespread admiration and respect around the world.
The ‘Mandela’ TV series, spearheaded by Josh Wakely’s Grace: A Storytelling Company, seeks to capture the essence of Mandela’s extraordinary journey, from his early activism to his pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s history.
(Originally read on Variety)