Local Documentries 2025 Submission

Hidden Treasures of Mzansi: History, People, Culture

South Africa is a beautiful and colourful country, with a melting pot of cultures and people. We know about the world-renowned Kruger National Park in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, the majestic beaches of the Western Cape and the historic Big Hole in the Northern Cape, but what about the wonders of South Africa that are in our own backyards? e.tv wants to celebrate the Hidden Treasures of Mzansi.

What is unique about your township/dorpie/village in your province? Is it the history, the people, the culture, the music, the food? South Africa is an extra-ordinary country and we want to celebrate the not so commonly known beauty, in places rarely explored before. Now is your time to show-off your township/dorpie/village, as we are giving you the chance to take us on a scenic journey of what you love about your hometown.

Do you live in, or do you know someone who lives in these Hidden Treasures of Mzansi? What are your core motivations, beliefs, values and reasons for believing in your hometown? We want to know!

e.tv is looking for proposals for new documentaries that seek to highlight the Hidden Treasures of Mzansi. We want to see the beautiful towns, villages and kasi’s that people may not know about, we want to hear the stories that make your hometown unique, stories about why you love your hometown. Let’s explore our country in a different way, through the eyes of the people who live in the Hidden Treasures of Mzansi.

Documentaries should concentrate on strongly researched information, while providing entertainment value through relatable characters that drive the narrative messaging of the selected subject matter.

Regional Documentaries
Content: A unique and compelling story on a township/dorpie/village told through the eyes of the people who live there. Showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of the hometown and its people. Whether it be the history, culture, landscape, food or even music. Take us on a visual journey while you share your stories about what you love about your hometown. The proposals must deal with subject matter that is thought-provoking and entertaining, featuring characters that are layered and engaging. The subject matter must hold appeal for a national audience.

Eligible Provinces: This invitation is restricted to producers who operate in the following provinces - Eastern Cape / Free State / Limpopo / Mpumalanga / Northern Cape and the North-West
*First-time producers are encouraged to apply.

Slot: TBC

Target audience: All viewers.

Language breakdown: Vernacular languages, with English subtitles.

Subtitles: Yes
Length: 23 (twenty-three) minutes
Budget: R213,495.00

Proposal requirements:
• A detailed treatment of the proposed documentary;
• A description of the locations where the documentary is to be shot and the names of individuals to be interviewed;
• A release form of the subjects or communities being profiled; 
• A signed copy of the e.tv disclaimer form.
• Proposed name/s of the presenter or commentator, if any;
• Production budget incorporating a detailed description on personnel, equipment and resource requirements;

Regional Documentaries
• Information which confirms that the key personnel working on the documentary are based in the province concerned.
Production company requirements:
• e.tv will accept program proposals only from South African production companies which have a registered business address in the province concerned.
• All program proposals from production companies must include the following information:
• All proposals must contain the name, address, and telephone numbers of person representing the company for purposes of the proposal;
• Name and registration number of production company;
• Names, race, and gender of shareholders of production company;
• Names, race, and gender of directors of production company;
• Names, race, and gender of senior personnel at the production company and their positions; and,
• Details of training initiatives engaged in by the production company over the past 12 months.

Submission deadline: 02 May 2025

Email address: [email protected]

Terms and conditions
Submission of the proposals is based on the unconditional acceptance by the producer of the terms and conditions in this invitation.
e.tv may, at any time prior to the closing date for the submission of the proposals, inform interested persons of an amendment to this document.

The documents requested and information sought (as set out above) must be provided. Failure to furnish all required information or documentation or the furnishing of any false or misleading statement or document may disqualify the proposal.

All costs incurred in the preparation and submission of the proposals must be carried by the producer concerned. e.tv will under no circumstances be liable for these costs. e.tv’s decision concerning the commissioning of program proposals is final.

Regional Documentaries
e.tv is under no obligation to provide feedback on particular proposals and will not enter into any correspondence on the proposals.
Producers who supply material or tapes do so at their own risk. Owing to the administration involved, e.tv will not return to producers any material or tapes submitted to it in terms of this invitation.

Download the 2025 Documentary Brief here: download

Download the Proposal Submission Disclaimer here: download