The death of Nelson Mandela will be commemorated in a handful of specials this afternoon, tonight and over the weekend. Many of the regularly scheduled news programs will also pay tribute to his legacy.
Miracle Rising: South Africa
Friday, 5 p.m. & Sunday, Dec. 8, 5 p.m., History Channel
The remarkable transformation of South Africa is recounted in this special about apartheid and the first free elections in April 1994. Narrated through personal and intimate accounts from world leaders, politicians, celebrities and journalists, this documentary reflects on the human capacity to forgive for the greater good.
20/20
Friday, 10 p.m., ABC
“Nelson Mandela: A Man Who Changed The World” is a special edition of “20/20” that recounts the details of Mandela’s passing, worldwide reaction a life survey of one of the 20th century’s greatest figures. Alex Marquardt reports from South Africa.
Nelson Mandela: Father Of A Nation
Saturday, 9 p.m., CBS
CBS News anchor Scott Pelley anchors this special edition of “48 Hours,” which compiles original reporting from CBS News journalists who have covered Mandela’s life. Bob Simon will look at Mandela’s life from prisoner to president. Martha Teichner reports on what it was like to be in South Africa in 1990 when Mandela was released from prison and the impact on South Africa. “Nelson Mandela: Father of a Nation” includes interviews with former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young, Archbishop and civil rights activist Desmond Tutu and Mandela autobiographer Richard Stengel.
The Making Of Mandela
Sunday, 12 p.m., Discovery
Mandela’s early days at a resistance fighter through his tenure as South Africa’s first freely elected president are recalled by David Harewood (“Homeland”), who narrates this special. The footage is supplemented by a voiceover of Mandela’s recording for his autobiography, A Long Walk to Freedom.