Oti and Richard’s South African Odyssey
South African-born broadcaster, author and dancer Oti Mabuse will return home with her companion, Reverend Richard Coles. Oti will take Richard on a trip around her homeland in a beautiful homecoming journey, supported by South African Tourism.
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Ep 1Gauteng
They begin their journey in Oti's home province of Gauteng, where they meet fashion designer Sebo and create outfits celebrating African-patterned textiles. In Johannesburg, they visit the township of Soweto to learn about the 1976 student-led protests against apartheid before trying the famously fast pantsula dance, an energetic street-dance style deeply rooted in the township's culture. Richard also visits the rose garden at the botanical gardens, and the pair then head to the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains for an unforgettable helicopter ride over the dramatic landscape.
Ep 2KwaZulu-Natal
The adventure continues in the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal. In Durban, the pair experience the city's beautiful beaches and explore the vibrant Victoria Street Market. They also visit the nearby Phoenix Settlement, founded by Mahatma Gandhi, where they meet his granddaughter, South African peace activist Ela Gandhi.
Ep 3Western Cape
In the Western Cape, Oti and Richard encounter African penguins and discover local dance traditions. Their travels take them to the historic port city of Cape Town, where they explore two contrasting communities and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Khoisan people through their traditional dances.
Ep 4Eastern Cape
The final leg of the adventure takes place in the Eastern Cape, where zip-lining and sky-hanging provide plenty of excitement. They also enjoy a close encounter with a herd of elephants and delve into the history of Xhosa culture. To round off the journey, Oti hopes to help Richard fulfil his long-held dream of seeing giraffes in their natural habitat.
Channel 4
GB
