The series is renowned for taking viewers on a journey beyond their comfort zones and across cultural borders to explore addictions and lifestyles that are acceptable in some cultures but forbidden, illegal or reviled in others. Each hour-long episode examines one topic from a variety of cultures and perspectives, often venturing into closed worlds rarely seen.

"The importance of localising and bringing non-wildlife programming to Africa and the globe has been the key to our strategy – as the African market continues to expand, we are pleased to offer uniquely relevant stories from the continent to our viewers," said Hamish Mykura; executive VP and head of International Content for National Geographic Channels International.

The move is labelled as an opportunity to create a gateway for the formation of new productions and co-productions that will begin to tell modern African stories. These will become a great method of reflecting the trajectory the continent is taking in the 21st century.

"This is a direct result of National Geographic Channel’s balance of high-quality global programming complemented by outstanding regional content that provides robust, uniquely localised schedules to our markets," he concluded.

"Investment in Africa is key to our growth as a company in the market, one of our key areas for investment is in content development. This assists us not only in taking African stories to the globe but in bringing locally relevant stories to our audiences and assists in bringing money into the local production sector," said Alessandro Tucci, SVP and general manager of Fox International Channels.

Taboo Africa: Born Identity?

The programme focuses on the lives of three Transgender individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds, living in a uniquely South African context. In the small township of Ikageng in the North, the team meets a stunning transgender female model named Blessing, who was born as a boy named Samuel. In Cape Town, the team meets Christien, a 51-year-old train driver who has transitioned from male to female with the help of his adoring wife and two children.

In Soshanguve, the team meets Tebogo, a Sangoma (traditional African healer) who is 100% male, but was born 100% female. The team also meet Tebogo’s colleague, Nthabiseng, who is Intersex, and has a medical condition that resulted in her being born with ambiguous genitalia. Taboo Africa: Born Identity? takes the viewer on a journey into the intriguing lives of those who bend and break the stereotypes of gender in a traditional and sometimes conservative South Africa.

It will be broadcast on Sunday, 30 June at 20:55 on National Geographic Channel, channel 181 on DStv.