CNBC Africa Premieres “Mandela and a Beast called Business”

Thu, 21 Jul 2011

CNBC Africa is marking the 93rd birthday of Nelson Mandela on 18 July 2011, with the premiere of its new documentary "Mandela and a Beast called Business”.

This one hour documentary will tell the inside story of how former president Mandela grappled with the world of capitalism in the years following his release from prison and made the switch from socialism to a free market economy. It was a journey through delicate negotiation and painful compromise that gave birth to South Africa's emerging economy.

Award-winning journalist, Chris Bishop, who conceptualised, produced and reported on the documentary, said: "This aspect of Mandela's fascinating life has often been covered all too briefly by other documentaries. I wanted to examine this important story in depth with powerful eyewitness accounts. I feel if you have ever taken an interest in Nelson Mandela or business, you will take something from this documentary."

"Mandela and a Beast called Business” is a story told through the eyes of those who were there: the economists who saw the changes, the activists who rued them and the journalists who witnessed the turnaround by a great man.

The premiere of “Mandela and a Beast called Business” is on 18 July 2011 at 8PM CAT on DStv Channel 410.