UCT researchers coasting to TV stardom

Expert eyes: Shoreline is presented by (from left) Gavin Whitelaw, Nomalanga Mkhize, Peter Butler and Eleanor Yeld

Two UCT researchers are co-presenters of the highly rated Shoreline, a popular 13-part environmental documentary series currently airing on SABC2.

Historian Nomalanga Mkhize and marine biologist Eleanor Yeld co-present the documentary with Gavin Whitelaw, an archaeologist from the Natal Museum.

Shoreline, produced by Homebrew Films in Cape Town, explores the nearly 3 000 kilometres of South African coastline, stretching from the desert border with Namibia on the Atlantic coast, southwards around the tip of Africa, and then north to the border with Mozambique on the Indian Ocean.

Combining scenic photography with background on the communities and often unseen natural riches, the series explores how the environment and historic events have shaped the lives of coastal communities. The presenters aim to unlock the archaeology, history and natural history of the coastline, as well as uncover its current activities and attractions.

Presented by acclaimed stage and screen actor, Peter Butler, each episode of Shoreline visits a stretch of the coastline to get a sense of its character, using stories to take viewers to the life at the water's edge.

Download a promo video clip of Shoreline.

Shoreline is broadcast on SABC2 on Mondays at 19h30. For more information, go to the programme website.