A new Showmax Original documentary series, The Illuminated, explores the different South African beliefs ranging from Israelvisie, Church of Scientology, KwaSizabantu to Mancoba Seven Angels Ministries.
The African streamer has released a trailer for the series, which premieres on 6 March 2024 with new episodes on Wednesdays. The trailer is available to watch on YouTube.
Showmax documentary ‘The Illuminated’
The series begins with Israelvisie. As Japie van Zyl, aka Boerseun van Migdol on social media, says in The Illuminated, “There are many different denominations but the one thing we have in common is that we all believe we are the direct descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the actual descendants of the 12 tribes of Israel.”
Other beliefs featured in subsequent episodes include:
- The Church of Scientology.
- Christ In Me Collective.
- Network marketing businesses and corporate transformational coaching, which have some similarities with religious groups.
- KwaSizabantu.
- New evangelical churches.
- Mancoba Seven Angels Ministries.
- The Fellowship in Hermanus.
In the final episode, viewers will watch the story of Hardus and Nicolette Lotter that highlights how extreme religious beliefs can drive people to commit unspeakable acts. The Lotters were convicted of taking their parents’ lives. Nicolette’s boyfriend, Matthew Naidoo, encouraged the act – and the court found he had manipulated the siblings into believing he was the third son of God.
Religious belief is strong in South Africa, with only 2.9% of the population reporting that they had no religious affiliation in the 2022 Census. More than 80% of South Africans identify as Christian, but there are many other active faiths and denominations.
“There’s a saying that you shouldn’t talk about religion or politics in polite company,” says series director Wynand Louw, head of content at POP24. “But growing up around religion is something that almost all South Africans have in common.”
The Showmax documentary features insider views from leaders, members and former members, and theologians. As Christ In Me Collective founder Xandre Strydom says in the trailer, “This is the first time in 13 years that the media is giving us the opportunity to speak.”
The Illuminated is produced by POP24, which is behind true-crime series such as Imibuzo and Huisgenoot Ware Lewensdramas. It also produced reality series like This Body Works For Me, The Mommy Club, and Bae Beyond Borders, which were in the top 10 most-watched local titles on Showmax in 2023.