Being Mandela

Being Mandela is a fascinating reality television series that aired in 2013 on Cozi TV. The show provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of the descendants of the well-respected and globally renowned anti-apartheid activist, as well as the former South African President, Nelson Mandela. More precisely, it spotlights his granddaughters, Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and Swati Dlamini.

This show is a one-of-a-kind journey into the modern-day lives of the Mandela family, focusing on the challenges and joys of upholding a famous family legacy while carving out distinctive identities in contemporary South Africa. The perpetual spotlight cast by their iconic lineage has formed an inescapable backdrop against which their lives have unfolded, and this program explores these aspects in great detail.

Being Mandela delves deep into the personal and professional life of Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and Swati Dlamini, who, despite being brought up amid political upheaval and tragedy, have grown into strong, level-headed women. The female protagonists of the show are more than just a continuation of the Mandela legacy; they are successful entrepreneurs, fashion trendsetters, wives, and mothers.

Zaziwe and Swati are both directly involved in preserving and promoting Nelson Mandela's legacy. However, the show also showcases their endeavors in handling their personal business ventures. The duos are co-founders of Long Walk to Freedom Brand, a fashion line inspired by their grandfather. Also, they work on several charity projects, important to Mandela's heart, dispersing a portion of the earnings from their fashion label for the same.

The show's episodes disclose Zaziwe and Swati's life under the Mandela family umbrella, their relationship with their parents and wider family, and their ambitions for the future. The series outlines the sisters' efforts to balance their demanding careers, support their families, and maintain their grandfather's legacy in a rapidly changing South Africa.

The series takes viewers into the sisters' homes, their work lives, and their tours to the United States and other parts of Africa. Viewers also get to see exclusive footage from their family archives and hear about their childhood memories. Their childhood is especially interesting because it occurred during a period of upheaval and change in South Africa. Viewers also gain an understanding of their feelings and experiences of growing up under the constant watch of the public, displaying their courage, strength, vulnerability, and perseverance.

Every episode of Being Mandela is imbued with nostalgia and reverence for Nelson Mandela; however, it is also deeply personal. The granddaughters are seen not only as torchbearers of Mandela's legacy but also as individuals growing their paths, confronting unique challenges, and celebrating personal triumphs.

Additional family members, including Zaziwe's and Swati's mother, Zenani Mandela-Dlamini, and their aunt, Makaziwe Mandela, provide candid interviews and share highly personal stories about the family's past and present. It's the first time any Mandela family member has given this level of access, and it's undoubtedly a feast for Mandela legacy enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

Traversing the intersections of personal narrative, family history, and national legacy, Being Mandela is an essential watch for anyone interested not just in the life of Nelson Mandela, but also in the experiences of a family navigating the universal and specific challenges associated with inheriting a prominent family legacy. It is an emotional and inspiring journey, a bittersweet symphony played on the strings of struggle, freedom, loss, and immortality of a legacy.

In conclusion, Being Mandela strikes a balance between the personal and the political, showcasing the strength, resilience, and wisdom that earned the Mandela family their place in history, along with the challenges and obligations that come with it. With its careful plot structure, compelling personal narratives, and rich family histories, this 2013 Cozi TV series is a captivating watch, providing a unique insight into the lives and legacy of one of the most globally influential families.