Nelson Mandela: TV tributes

Free To Air and STV have all announced specials on Nelson Mandela for tonight.

ABC:
ABC News Special: Nelson Mandela
Tonight at 7pm on ABC1

All times in AEDT

ABC News will tonight air a one hour news special covering the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela and celebrating the life of one of the 20th century’s most influential and iconic people.

In New South Wales, Victoria, ACT, Tasmania and South Australia, Leigh Sales will present the one hour special at 7pm on ABC1.

In Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia, Scott Bevan will present the one hour special at 7pm on ABC1.

All broadcasts will include news inserts from local newsrooms.

ABC News 24 will continue to provide rolling coverage for the rest of the day and evening.

Seven:
Seven News Melbourne /Sydney will broadcast a special one-hour news bulletin tonight with extended coverage following the death of Nelson Mandela.

Correspondents Adrian Brown, Chris Reason and Angela Cox will lead our coverage on reaction around the world to the death of the 95-year-old.

Melb: Presented by Jennifer Keyte, Seven News airs nightly at 6 on Channel Seven.

Syd: Presented by Mark Ferguson, Seven News airs nightly at 6 on Channel Seven.

Nine:
Tonight, Nine News presents a one hour bulletin from 6.00pm around the country.

At 7.00pm, Tracy Grimshaw hosts A Current Affair.

At 7.30pm, in the news special Nelson Mandela: Warrior for Peace, Peter Stefanovic presents a tribute to the great man. Visiting Robben Island, where Mandela was held for so many years, we explore his battles, his old prison mates, his family heartache, and his legacy.

Then at 8.30pm, in the Clint Eastwood directed film Invictus, Morgan Freeman gives a powerful performance as Nelson Mandela, in his first term as the South African President. The film follows Mandela as he initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Nine’s coverage of The Ashes will continue LIVE on Gem from 6.00pm.

TEN:
A TEN Eyewitness News Special On The Extraordinary Life Of Nelson Mandela.

In a one-hour special, TEN Eyewitness News pays tribute to a man who inspired the world. The first black president of South Africa, a global statesman and political activist, Nelson Mandela ended apartheid in his own country and helped make racism unacceptable across the globe.

Hosted by TEN Eyewitness News’ award-winning National Political Editor and Canberra Bureau Chief, Hugh Riminton, Nelson Mandela: The Struggle is My Life follows Mandela’s extraordinary story, from his humble birth, through childhood under the oppression of apartheid, to the man he became.

The program uses unique archival footage, including Mandela’s first recorded interview in 1960, and exclusive interviews with key figures from his life, including Desmond Tutu, F. W. De Klerk and members of the ANC who fought beside Mandela and were imprisoned with him.

TEN Eyewitness News’ Hugh Riminton, Max Futcher and Emma Dallimore are available for interviews.

Nelson Mandela: The Struggle is My Life.
Friday December 6, 7.30pm on TEN.

SBS:
SBS will screen a special documentary never before seen in Australia, Nelson Mandela – The Final Chapter, 8:30pm tonight on SBS ONE to commemorate Nelson Mandela’s passing.

Directed by award-winning director Clifford Bestall, Nelson Mandela – The Final Chapter offers a unique glimpse into the life of Nelson Mandela at a point when, in his own words, he ‘retired from retirement’.

The documentary makers were given unprecedented and exclusive access to Nelson Mandela from the beginning of his 90th year until his final retreat from public life. The resulting documentary is an intimate portrayal of one of history’s most respected and revered statesmen.

Nelson Mandela – The Final Chapter includes never-before seen footage of Nelson Mandela’s last ever tour abroad, as well as private meetings and discussions with admirers, celebrities, heads-of-state and ordinary people. It is a privileged insight into his time in retirement, the final chapter in a remarkable life.

Nelson Mandela – The Final Chapter airs tonight, 8:30pm on SBS ONE.

NAT GEO:
Mandela: His Life And Legacy captures his meteoric rise from political prisoner to South Africa’s first black president

For more than 60 years, Nelson Mandela has stood as an icon of unwavering resolve, determination and eloquence, inspiring South Africa – and the world – in his quest for racial equality. His triumphant walk to freedom after nearly 30 years of imprisonment for standing up against government apartheid is one of the most famous images of the 20th century.

Premiering tonight, Mandela: His Life and Legacy follows the historic steps of Mandela’s journey from his childhood growing up in the household of the Thembu royal family to his work as a young lawyer in Johannesburg, his imprisonment, presidential election and enduring legacy. Joining the African National Congress in his 20s, Mandela spent years trumpeting the cause of equality against a hostile government whose racial injustices had taken a firm hold over the wealthiest country in Africa before his arrest in 1963.

Presented by seasoned journalist Mark Austin, Mandela: His Life and Legacy includes poignant commentary from political officials, close friends and allies of Mandela, including former South African president FW de Klerk and former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Archbishop Desmond Tutu as well as fellow prisoner Mac Maharaj.

Imprisoned for nearly three decades, Mandela remained a relentless champion for equal rights and an incredibly strong symbol – with many South Africans and the international community demanding his release. After months of negotiations with the government, Mandela was granted his release in early 1990 when he helped usher in a new era of political and social change within the nation. His tireless efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. And, in 1994, he became the first black South African president – and the first president elected under universal suffrage. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of social and political empowerment.

Premieres Tonight (Friday 6 December) at 7.30pm AEDT
Encore screenings: Saturday at 10.30pm and Sunday at 3.30pm