Watch Being Mandela

Being Mandela is a captivating reality TV show that premiered back in 2013 on Cozi TV. The show follows the lives of two granddaughters of the legendary South African political activist and president, Nelson Mandela. Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and Swati Dlamini, along with their close family friend, Billy Zhao, take viewers on a journey through their daily lives as they navigate growing up in the footsteps of one of the world's most iconic figures.

The show's premiere episode opens with a brief history of Nelson Mandela's life and what he stood for, setting the tone for what viewers can expect from the show. It then segues into the introduction of Zaziwe and Swati, as they share stories about their grandfather and how he has influenced their lives. We also get to meet Billy Zhao, who is a Chinese man adopted into the Mandela family and has been a friend of Zaziwe and Swati since childhood.

Being Mandela is a unique show that offers a window into the personal lives of the famous family. Through the eyes of Zaziwe, Swati, and Billy, viewers get to explore fascinating facets of the Mandela family, their cultural heritage, and the challenges they face as young adults in modern times.

One of the most significant themes of the show is the legacy of Nelson Mandela. The show explores how he has helped shape the family's values, beliefs, and overall worldview, as well as the pressure that comes with being his descendants. Zaziwe and Swati, in particular, are conscious of this and often talk about how they don't want to disappoint their grandfather or let his legacy down. The show also highlights how the Mandela family has continued to carry on his work and advocate for social justice, education, and healthcare.

Aside from the family's legacy, Being Mandela also shows the more personal aspects of their lives. We get to see Zaziwe as a new mother, navigate the demands of motherhood, and balance parenting with her work as a businesswoman. Swati, on the other hand, is depicted as more reserved, but we get to see her take on more responsibility within the family, including helping to organize events in honor of her grandfather. Billy provides a unique perspective as he offers insight into Chinese culture and how it has influenced his views on family and hard work.

One of the show's most compelling aspects is how it addresses the criticism that the Mandela grandchildren have faced regarding their privileged lifestyle. Being Mandela shows that although the family has had many privileges, they are also keenly aware of their responsibility to use their influence to make a positive impact on society. We see Zaziwe and Swati engage in various philanthropic endeavors, including donating food and clothing to less fortunate communities, working with educational organizations, and advocating for clean water in impoverished areas. The show does a great job of capturing the family's compassion and commitment to making a difference in the world.

In terms of style, Being Mandela is slickly produced and features lots of stunning shots of South Africa's natural beauty. The family members are stylishly dressed, and their homes are luxurious and beautifully decorated, adding to the show's overall elegance. The production design is excellent, and the show has an overall professional and polished look.

In conclusion, Being Mandela is a genuinely mesmerizing reality show that offers an insight into a famous family's personal lives. Through the stories of Zaziwe, Swati, and Billy, viewers get a glimpse into the legacy of Nelson Mandela and how it continues to influence his family's values and beliefs. The show's themes resonate well with its audience, and its high production values make it a joy to watch. If you're looking for an uplifting and inspiring show that showcases the beauty of Africa and its people, Being Mandela is a must-watch.