Starting at 19:00, the channel will feature a mix of films, documentaries, archive footage from M-Net’s multiple award-winning actuality programme Carte Blanche as well as celebrity interviews.

"We are immensely proud to dedicate a unique pop-up channel to celebrate the life and legacy of this beacon of selflessness and reconciliation, who gave hope to millions," says Yolisa Phahle, general entertainment CEO, MultiChoice.

The channel, which was compiled for DStv by M-Net, Africa’s leading storyteller, will have programmes that aim to paint a powerful picture of what it meant to be Mandela and what he has meant to the world.

Each night at 20:00 – from Wednesday, 18 July to Saturday, 21 July – DStv customers across the continent can tune in for a new director’s cut, in the form of a four-part miniseries, of the film The Long Walk to Freedom (2013), which is based on Mandela’s autobiography and focuses on his early life and 27 years in prison. The film stars Idris Elba.

The Mandela 100 Tribute will also show Invictus (2009), the Hollywood blockbuster directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as Springbok rugby captain Francois Pienaar.

The film is a depiction of South Africa’s victory at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Mandela walked on to the Ellis Park turf in the No 6 jersey, usually worn by Pienaar.

Other highlights include:

The Face of Unity: This is a documentary with previously unscreened footage and tributes from former United States President Barack Obama; golf player Jack Nicklaus; musician Ray Charles; and Hollywood actors Samuel L Jackson and George Lucas.

In the Name of Mandela, War and Peace: This is a summary of the political history of South Africa from the time of the discovery of gold in 1886 up to the election of Nelson Mandela as President in 1994.

Mandela’s Unsung Heroes: This film is an account of the Rivonia trial, in which some of Nelson Mandela’s fellow accused in the trial, that led to his incarceration on Robben Island, share their memories.

Countdown to Freedom: Narrated by James Earl Jones and Alfre Woodard, this independent documentary chronicles the behind-the-scenes leadup to the rebirth of a nation and Nelson Mandela's triumph in South Africa’s first free elections.

For the full schedule, customers can go to DStv.com under 'The Guide' as well as on the TV Guide and EPG (Electronic Programming Guide) on their decoder, or the TV Guide on DStv Now.

DStv customers can also access the Long Walk To Freedom miniseries, and Carte Blanche inserts on DStv Catch Up on their PVR and Explora decoders, as well as all the content from the channel on DStv Catch Up Plus through their connected Explora or on DStv Catch Up on DStv Now.

For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].  

*Image courtesy of DStv