Frontline's Definitive Mandela Documentary: Now Streaming Online For The First Time

As the world responds to Nelson Mandela’s passing, Frontline is making “The Long Walk of Nelson Mandela” — its definitive two-hour documentary film on the remarkable leader — available to watch online for the very first time. The documentary originally aired in 2011.

Additionally, West Virginia PBS will air “The Long Walk of Nelson Mandela” on Monday, Dec. 16 at 9 p.m. Where available, viewers may also watch this program on WV PBS.2 on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.

In this program, Frontline tells the intimate and surprising story of a Mandela few people know: a bomb-throwing revolutionary who became a skilled politician in prison, and a passionate man who sacrificed the love of his life for a country that needed him more.

Widely hailed as the definitive television biography of Mandela, the documentary draws on stories and insights from Mandela’s closest colleagues, fellow prisoners, friends and political adversaries —as well as unique photos and rare archival film — to paint an intimate portrait of one of the 20th century’s greatest leaders.

Frontline is also exploring Mandela’s legacy through illuminating digital content — including an interactive Facebook timeline that chronicles his formative upbringing, his time in prison, and his trailblazing quest to end Apartheid in the country he loved. 

About FrontlineFrontline explores the issues of our times through powerful investigative storytelling. Frontline is produced by WGBH Boston and is broadcast nationwide on PBS. The deputy executive producer is Raney Aronson-Rath. The executive producer is David Fanning.

Almost all Frontline documentaries are accompanied by viewer and teacher guides. Click here for the Mandela educator’s guide.

These Two Mountain Stage Performances Encapsulate Nelson Mandela's Rise to Prominence

With the passing of the anti-Aparthied revolutionary and former South African President Nelson Mandela, we wanted to connect you to how West Virginia played a small part in another famous South African’s fight for Mandela’s rise to international prominence.  

Legendary South African musician Hugh Masekela  performed for the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta crowd gathered for Mountain Stage on September 3, 1989. Masekela performed his song “Bring Him Back Home,” an anthem of the movement to free Mandela from prison.

When Masekela returned to play Mountain Stage on May 8, 1994, the battle cry had turned into a celebratory hymn. Two days after that appearance, Masekela performed the song at Mandela’s inauguration as the President of South Africa.
 

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Masekela performs the same song on May 8, 1994 on Mountain Stage.
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