Whispering Truth to Power (2018)

It takes a special kind of person to work in the office of the Public Protector of South Africa. Advocate and professor of law Thuli Madonsela was more than just special during her time as Public Protector from 2009 to 2016 – she was Superwoman. Don’t believe us? Stream the 2018 doccie Whispering Truth to Power only on Showmax.

It appears to be a run-of-the-mill doccie from the outside, but when you’re sitting watching it, listening to Miss Madonsela speak, you’re drawn into it. Her personality is magnetic and you’ll realise that you’re not watching some flimsy wannabe-reality star. She really is warm and inviting, while at the same time coming across as the kind of person you don’t want to mess with.

Don’t expect the lights and flashiness of a Hollywood documentary though. This is gritty, to the point and real. There are visuals from news broadcasts where a lot of ugly things are said about the former Public Protector by politicians who wanted to see her fail as she investigated the well-publicised State Capture in South Africa’s political and government spheres.

The work that has gone into making this doccie cannot be underestimated or undervalued. It is professional, detailed, full, free and fair, and most importantly, real. If you’re South African, no matter where you are in the world, you need to watch Whispering Truth To Power. And when former President Jacob Zuma says, “This was investigated in a funny way,” realise just how important Thuli Madonsela’s work was and the people who tried to stop her. Emphasis on tried.