NatGeo's Taboo To Feature An Episode Wholly Focused On Mzansi

Locally based, award-winning company Clive Morris Productions which has produced a variety of local productions such as 50/50 (Sabc2), Scandal (Etv), Backstage (Etv, Forever Young (Vuzu) has been appointed to work on the project.

The episode will focus on the lives of four fascinating transgender individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds, living in a uniquely South African context.

The announcement by National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) marks the first time ever commission of a non-wildlife regional programme on the continent.

The series is renowned for taking viewers on a journey beyond their comfort zones and across cultural borders to explore addictions and lifestyles that are acceptable in some cultures but forbidden, illegal or reviled in others. Each hour-long episode examines one topic from a variety of cultures and perspectives, often venturing into closed worlds rarely seen.

“The importance of localising and bringing non-wildlife programming to Africa and the globe has been the key to our strategy – as the African market continues to expand, we are pleased to offer uniquely relevant stories from the continent to our viewers,” said Hamish Mykura; executive VP and head of International Content for National Geographic Channels International.

The move is labelled as an opportunity to create a gateway for the formation of new productions and co-productions that will begin to tell modern African stories. These will become a great method of reflecting the trajectory the continent is taking in the 21st century.

“This is a direct result of National Geographic Channel’s balance of high-quality global programming complemented by outstanding regional content that provides robust, uniquely localised schedules to our markets," he concluded.

“Investment in Africa is key to our growth as a company in the market, one of our key areas for investment is in content development. This assists us not only in taking African stories to the globe but in bringing locally relevant stories to our audiences and assists in bringing money into the local production sector," said Alessandro Tucci, SVP and general manager of Fox International Channels.

The episode titled Taboo South Africa: Transgender, will air this June on National Geographic Channel, channel 181 on DStv.