Written and presented by David Dimbleby 1: The Trekkers
To understand the Afrikaners, the white minority who rule South Africa, it helps to know something of their origins and early struggles; of their Great Trek to escape from British rule; of their conflict with the blacks who claimed the same territory; of epic encounters like the Battle of Blood River where a handful of Boers defeated a Zulu army of 10,000. ' That is the most important date in the history of South Africa,' says Riaan Kriel , farmer and church elder. ' It is Blood River that will have to keep the Afrikaner going in the years that lie ahead.'
The first of this series, now extended to five programmes, looks at the Afrikaners' time as the underdogs and the lessons it teaches them now they are accused of being the oppressors.
A highly impressive achievement, compelling respect for its fearlessness, the depth of its research and the quiet deliberation of its presentation.
(DAILY TELEGRAPH)
It would be a good thing if the series as it was is shown in South Africa.
(DIE BURGER)
Associate producer FRANCIS GERARD Producer DAVID HARRISON i Repeat)