The television adaptation of internationally acclaimed author Deon Meyer’s crime novel Trackers marks the beginning of a new era in high-end African storytelling. Pan-African television network M-Net and two global broadcasting giants are joining forces to take this uniquely South African political thriller to the world.  First, as announced in December 2018, M-Net sealed a groundbreaking collaboration deal with Germany’s public broadcaster ZDF. Now, M-Net can confirm that Trackers is also being co-produced by Cinemax, which will also distribute the drama series worldwide beyond M-Net and ZDF’s geographical broadcasting footprint.

“The trailblazing and massively exciting co-production of Trackers illustrates M–Net’s vision and commitment to shine the spotlight on the African film and television industry and provide fresh, proudly African narratives to our viewers as well as global audiences,” says MultiChoice CEO of General Entertainment, Yolisa Phahle. “It is also taking our longstanding relationship with Cinemax to the next level, allowing local and international talent to combine their world-class story-telling and production skills.”

While M-Net is already the home of Cinemax and its sister network HBO, allowing viewers to enjoy showstoppers like Game of Thrones, Big Little Lies, Westworld and many more, HBO, Cinemax and M-Net also launched an innovative Producers Apprenticeship programme last year when the Cinemax series Warrior, coming to M-Net in July, was filmed in South Africa. Some other Cinemax originals screened on M-Net include Banshee, The Knick and Strike Back. 

Filming for Trackers has already started in exotic locations spanning the length and breadth of South Africa and the co-production partners have been working together on all aspects of production – from developing and casting, to assembling the crew and approving the final content.

Master wordsmith Deon Meyer, whose multiple-award-winning crime novels have been translated into more than 20 languages, with millions of copies sold worldwide, serves as a supervising screenwriter and co-producer; British writer Robert Thorogood (Death in Paradise) is the showrunner. The team of South African writers on the project includes the accomplished Mitchell’s Plain playwright, screenwriter and director Amy Jephta (Die Ellen Pakkies Story) as well as local writer/directors Kelsey Egen and Jozua Malherbe.

A talented local and international cast is on the bill for the six-part miniseries, some of which include Ed Stoppard, Rolanda Marais, James Alexander and Thapelo Mokoena. More details about their roles and additional credits will be announced at a later stage.

Trackers will make its debut on M-Net 101 in October 2019 and will also be available on MultiChoice’s popular on-demand service, Showmax. The six-part drama series is produced by UK Production Company Three River Studios as well as South Africa’s Scene 23.

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Popular local television channels M-Net, Mzansi Magic, Mzansi Bioskop, Mzansi Wethu, kykNET and kykNET & kie have two things in common; They all belong to the proudly South African M-Net stable of channels on DStv and in 2018, and they will all debut a slate of hot new original television productions. Capitalizing on the abundance of talent and stories available across the country, M-Net’s local content investment is set to increase.

First up, M-Net is creating South African editions of not one, but three, blockbuster global television formats. The gritty reality series Survivor, the culinary-themed My Kitchen Rules SA’s 2nd Season and the glamorous Dancing With The Stars. All these shows will keep the family entertained with local versions of some of the biggest formats in the world. Make sure you tune in as contestants play, cook and dance their way to the big prizes.

M-Net channels’ local is lekker flavour is kykNET. The fresh new series Oppi Kassie, is an intriguing new documentary series looking at the history of South African television. Plus, look out for Skelmpie, Op Die Spel, Knapsekerels, Flieknet Foendies and Elders de Camino to name a few of the new Afrikaans titles on offer over the next few months.

Due to its popularity, Suidooster, kykNET & kie’s soapie for the family viewer has increased its frequency to five episodes a week this year. The channel is also doubling its comedy offering over the next year and the popular reality show Boer Soek ‘n Vrou will be unveiling the new presenter in the upcoming 13^th season.

Not to be outdone, and specifically for Compact customers, Mzansi Magic is also rolling out the red carpet for DStv customers. The recently launched drama Nkululeko, is a coming-of-age story set in the windswept streets of Khayelitsha. Also premiering in January, is iKhaya, set against the backdrop of Daveyton. Plus, the new reality show, Yim’lo, that tackles the difficult topics that pull friends and family apart. Mzansi Wethu viewers will be in for a treat as brand-new shows are being produced for the Access market.

Rounding off this Spotlight, is the new on the horizon channel upgrade of Vuzu Amp. An exciting content offering 1Magic, makes its first appearance on January 29. Top of the line-up is the original telenovela The River which will premiere on launch day. The storyline combines the allure and ruthlessness of the business world, with the raw essence of township struggles, making for the type of storylines our viewers love. The telenovela will be helmed by Sindi Dlathu who left Muvhango to star in this show. Rounding off the stellar cast are Hlomla Dandala, Don Mlangeni, Moshidi Motshegwa, newcomer Larona Moagi. There will be other new local dramas and reality shows to bolster the channel offering with the focus day being Friday.

Commenting on the local content explosion, CEO General Entertainment for Video Entertainment, Yolisa Phahle said: “We remain committed to telling local stories in local languages, this is what viewers want. This year Mzansi Magic, Mzansi Wethu, Mzansi Bioskop, kykNET & kie, as well as M-Net will all increase their investment in local productions. We are working with new and established industry professionals to ensure that all our customers from DStv Access customers all the way to Premium customers, regardless of how they access or experience an M-Net channel, are kept engaged and excited.”

So, with this much confidence in the South African TV industry, it’s clear that this will be a bumper, and yes magical, year for even the most avid of South African television lover! Stage and Screen will attempt to feature more information on these local shows, which are applicable to our loyal target market.  One thing is clear though, with all these quality local shows, the little repeats still happening on DStv, is totally worth it.

If you don’t now already, here are the channel numbers on DStv:

M-Net:  101

1Magic:  103

kykNET:  144

kykNET & kie:  145

Mzansi Magic:  161

Mzansi Wethu:  163

Mzansi Bioskop:  164

M-Net +1:  901

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