The race to produce one of Mzansi’s highly anticipated documentaries is getting tougher. ZiMoja has learnt that proposals have been flooding in at streaming service Netflix’s headquarters. The documentary will feature convicted rapist, Thabo Bester and his girlfriend, Dr Nandipha Magudumana who allegedly helped him in his escape at the Mangaung Maximum Prison in May 2022.

CAROL BOUWER PRODUCTIONS SAID TO BE THE FAVOURITE

Amongst the reputable production companies that have put in a proposal is a former actress turned businesswoman, Bouwer’s production company. According to ZiMoja sources, Bouwer has well-prepared her army of top-ranking producers, researchers, and writers who are already on standby for the tender of the much-sought-after documentary. A source close to the situation says Bouwer has already met with her legal team to secure all the paperwork and the legality just in case her company is appointed. The source who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Bouwer does not want to repeat the same mistake she did with Lebo M and Primedia. "Her lawyers are handling everything," says the source.

NETWORK APPROACHED BY A NUMBER OF PRODUCERS

According to the source, Netflix has been chasing after Dr. Nandi and Bester’s documentary since their capture in Tanzania about three months ago. "The network is looking for people who have access and they can get Dr Nandipha to talk about her ordeal with Bester."

Another source says Bouwer stands a better chance to win, not only does she have access to people in the know, but she also has funding and resources. "Bouwer has already started the groundwork and basics just as going to the couple’s place of birth and trying to find people who grew up with the couple. Carol means business. She has hired some of the best investigative journalists. She is not playing games, she knows that this platform will give her international exposure," adds the source.

NO CONFIRMATION YET

Bouwer ignored our calls and text messages when called for a comment. Netflix PR representative Tutu Zondo says, �"We have not received any word as yet so I cannot confirm no deny at the moment,” Netflix has adopted a new approach to showing real-life documentaries. Last year, the streaming service had a documentary on the late Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa in a five-part docu-series, titled Senzo: Murder of a Soccer Star. It features interviews with Meyiwa’s family and friends, former Hawks head Shadrack Sibiya, top prosecutor Advocate Gerrie Nel and various broadcasters and journalists, who covered the story.