‘Great African Mysteries’ returns for second season
The HISTORY Channel Africa, DStv 186, brings South Africans fascinating local content with the return of Great African Mysteries on 3 August at 19h25. The local documentary is back after a successful first installment last year. Seasoned journalist and radio presenter, John Robbie will once again play host as he investigates three of the continent’s little-known, yet incredibly intriguing mysteries.
The earth’s oldest and largest meteor crater was created over 2-billion years ago when an asteroid hit the earth near the present-day town of Vredefort, in South Africa. The asteroid which was the size of Table Mountain upturned over 25 kilometers of the earth’s crust. Great African Mysteries season 2 investigates how this cataclysmic event ultimately led to the discovery of gold, billions of years later.
The documentary also probes the mystery of the quagga, a sub species of the Plains zebra, that was extinct for over 140 years, but which scientists are working to revive. Robbie explores how through selective breeding an attempt is being made to retrieve the genes responsible for the quagga’s characteristic striping pattern.
The last of the three stories featured in the documentary unearths the secrets behind the ancient walled kingdom of Thulamela, nestled within Kruger National Park. Dating back to the 15th century, its ruins unveil a rich history of trade and culture, offering a unique glimpse into Africa’s past. The discoveries made at ancient kingdoms like Thulamela challenge the long-held belief that trade between the people of South Africa and other parts of the world began when the Dutch landed in the Cape.
Great African Mysteries with John Robbie was produced by Clive Morris Productions (CMP). Robbie, says, “I am so excited to host another chapter of Great African Mysteries. As in the first season these stories will educate, thrill and challenge people’s perceptions about aspects of the past in Africa. Including mine!”
A+E Networks Africa Marketing Manager, Anita Gardini says, “The first documentary was so well received that we’re delighted to be able to bring viewers a second installment. The HISTORY Channel Africa believes that it’s important to reflect South African voices and stories. These snippets of history are incredibly fascinating, but they are not very well known so we are honoured to be able to share these stories that matter.”
The channel will boast other local content in the coming months. The second installment of My History Moments, a short-form series where well-known South Africans share pivotal moments from their lives, will air on DStv 186 in September.
Then, in another exciting first the HISTORY Channel Africa will dig deeper into some of the most riveting crimes that rocked South Africa’s past. The gripping new documentary Great African Crimes with Mandy Wiener will air in October, during the channel’s first-ever ‘Crime Month’. Stayed tuned for more details.
