Shoreline explored
September 14th, 2009
Every Monday night, thousands of South Africans gather around their television sets for a new episode of one of the most successful shows about the gorgeous country we live in.
In the short time that it has been on air, "Shoreline" has opened our eyes to the gem that is our South African coast.
Lived under a rock lately?
If you haven't heard of the show yet, "Shoreline" is a television programme on SABC2 that takes its viewers on a fascinating journey around South Africa. Each week they explore a part of our coast and discover fascinating new things.
The show is hosted by highly-acclaimed stage and screen actor Peter Butler and boasts three expert presenters - archaeologist Gavin Whitelaw, marine biologist Eleanor Yeld and historian Nomalanga Mkhize.
Peters' dog Jack also makes an appearance in the show as his trusty sidekick and the shows' mascot.
We recently chatted to Peter Butler about his thoughts on the show and managed to get some behind the scenes information.
GoTravel24.com asks: What are the objectives of a show like this in your opinion?
Peter: I believer that a show of this nature celebrates the wonder that is the South African Coast, showcases how spectacular our coastline is and changes what we as South Africans think we know about our country.
It is very unique as I don't think there has been a show that has ever travelled the entire distance.
I've been an actor all my life and toured the country many times but what this show did was show the South African coastline in a way that has never been done before. We didn't focus on the tourist attractions that we have grown accustomed to.
There is so much to learn and this show is really a rediscovery of what you thought you knew. People save up from all over the world to visit South Africa - why don't we explore it?
What made you want to take up this presenting job? Isn't it different to what you are used to?
Not really. I've been acting for eighteen years. I was engaged in theatre and stage, then television and films but this is the kind of thing I enjoy most. It beats studios and being indoors. Every day is different. For me one of the most fascinating aspects was meeting all the diverse sets of cultures of people in the country.
The different coasts are like moving from one door to another. I like to think of it as going on an international expedition without ever crossing our own borders.
Has filming the show affected you in anyway? Does anything stand out?
There are lots of things that stand out. Everything is a highlight. It was never tedious, never boring, but it was hard work. We were shooting for about thirteen months and covered 14 000 kms - just in getting to the respective places. It was a real expedition. We found ourselves in the bundus without signal and cigarettes - it was truly an adventure.
It's difficult to recall everything but in post production you get those "Hey, I remember that" moments. Coast is so well reserved, protected and unspoiled so really get this feeling that you are going back in time.
All in all, I've discovered who I am and where I come from, so I've taken a lot away from this show.
Was there one specific place that topped it all? And why?
That would be Cape Town and the fact that I rediscovered it. I'm a born and bred Capetonian but doing it was such an education and eye opener. It was like discovering gold and diamonds in your own backyard that you never knew was there.
Did you know that before the Earth's continental breakup sections of Camps Bay and Chapman's peak were where Venezuela was connected to South Africa?
If the landmass had to break off just a few more kilometres south, Table Mountain could have easily been in South America.
What can we expect from upcoming episodes?
We travel from Alexander Bay, the border of South West Africa, all the way around to the border of Mozambique. So far the episodes have introduced the series through an overview and a discussion of our heritage and then the journey began in the second episode.
We head towards Cape Point, then head up to the Eastern Cape, KZN, and by that time you realize we have just scratched the surface. There is so much but it is difficult to agree about what we should cover and what we can afford. We don't want to over look anything.
The shows will deal with aspects of our coast like ancient history, to modern history and where we are heading as a species.
How do you feel about Jack the dog as a mascot? Why did the show decide to add an animal to the show?
Jack is actually my dog. I took him in years ago and we are inseparable. He actually has separation anxiety and when I was approached to do the show they mentioned that they needed a dog and asked if I could suggest any. I immediately nominated Jack and he is a big part of why I am doing this. I travel and he is still by my side.
He is such a good dog and we never have a problem with him on the show.
What has the reception to the show been like so far?
So far people love it. It has been really good. It feels like such a privilege to be a part of it.
What is your message to people who would prefer to travel internationally and not locally?
Not to sound rude, but these people are talking rubbish if they think there is nothing worth exploring here.
Watch Shoreline. It will change your perspective. Stop taking your country for granted. There are so many travel logs that highlight South Africa; you have it in your own backyard so take advantage of it.
Life began here... explore.
Take Peter's advice and explore your own backyard.
Don't forget to watch Shoreline every Monday at 19:30 on SABC 2!
Fantastic show!Submitted by Former False Bay resident on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 12:25. |
I absolutely love this show! Every episode is crammed with interesting information unknown by most South Africans. Our shoreline has more beauty and diversity to offer than one might think! Thanks for the great show! I'll definitely also like to own the box set!! |
same shit different webpageSubmitted by Anonymous on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 21:16. |
Articles are repetitive, always pushing "product" for sales and revenues, no reporting at a "street" level, no insider tips on places not to visit, no objectivity and independence like the other 24.com channels. Blog is very self-focused as well, nothing new that we cudnt have gotten elsewhere, and their employee accommodation and travel budget must constantly be in the red. |
SjjoeSubmitted by Annemarie on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 21:10. |
Dis nou net n jammerte dat hierdie redigeerders n bietjie van n geskiedenis het, en n slegte reputasie veral sommige van hul dames. |
The TV programme "Shoreline"Submitted by Alan on Mon, 09/14/2009 - 12:29. |
Subtitles should be provided in the TV programme "Shoreline". I am deeply interested, but am deaf, and all aural information is missed. As there are numerous other people like me, and the show is very popular, I am sure it can be repeated in the near future with subtitles added. |
ShorelineSubmitted by Nonatjie on Mon, 09/14/2009 - 10:00. |
Best show on TV! Can't wait for when boex set becomes available for sale. Well done to all involved, I hope you are working on another, similar series. |
Good newsSubmitted by gt24.editor.lisa on Wed, 09/02/2009 - 12:01. |
It's great to see that the show has received such an amazing response! :) Peter mentioned that there will be DVD box sets of the show available early next year. We will let you know closer to the time! Thanks! Lisa |
ShorelineSubmitted by Barbara on Wed, 09/02/2009 - 10:08. |
My husband and myself love watching Shoreline it is a highlight of the week. I am rather sad that we missed the last one which is the one after Knysna. is there any way they might show it again? |
South Africa is gem indeedSubmitted by Sihle Dube on Wed, 09/02/2009 - 09:31. |
I watched the show on the 31st of Aug 2009, where amongst a few featured locations, Tsitsikama was included. A group of friends and I visited the area in April 2009 to bungee....that place is beautiful, and the locals are friendly. I thought that was the best Tsitsikama had to offer until I watched Shoreline....Maan I am going back, after I've learnt to surf, next is diving, I want to dive in that pearl, and I hope Popo will still be around when I go there. Well done to Shoreline. Beyond showing us the beauty of our shoreline, please inform us of accomodation options in the areas you reviews. |
Thank you for a wonderfulSubmitted by Grant on Wed, 09/02/2009 - 09:00. |
Thank you for a wonderful programme. Its quite refreshing to have a documentary of this calibre and quality aired on a free to air channel. Entertaining, informative, proudly South African and exceptionally educational for young and old. Well done SABC2 |
Simply THE BEST SHOW on TV!!Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 09/02/2009 - 08:45. |
Thank YOU SABC for screning such a qualtiy TV show (worht cancelling gym on Monday night I might add!, as I do love my TreadMill and Taebo, but i Digress.. that fisert epsiode about the lagoon , its formation , relevance and the trip towards Saldanha Baai and its history , made me miss my high school lessons all over again ! and they explaiend so much more.. I am an avid fisher myself and when our marine biologist Eleanor Yeld was walking in the water explaing what types of fish enjoy the 'lagoon life' ..it almost felt meant to be... lol :) !!!! Peter that is a cute dog ! really when u were making salt or well trying to , he seemed so cute and obedient , cool stuff... Love the show guys , please invite as a guest on the show , pretty please ..please (i just want to tour with you guys ... |
ShorelineSubmitted by Simon on Wed, 09/02/2009 - 08:07. |
Shoreline is a pleasure to watch. It sets a new standard for South African TV. The quality of production is easily above imported shows broadcast on DSTV. The viewing experience is entertaining plus there a the additional sense that something good is being done for our priceless coastline, even if it's only through awareness. Please keep it coming, export the show, develop other concepts, enrich our screens. |
shorelineSubmitted by bev on Wed, 09/02/2009 - 07:01. |
wonderful show |
Shoreline: Mon. 31 AugustSubmitted by Zonia Jooste on Tue, 09/01/2009 - 11:00. |
This is an absolute awesome programme. I only watched the second half of Survivor and had to wait till Sundays to watch the first part of the latter programme because I'm so intrigued by Shoreline. However, the angling scene at Nutzi beach was a bit staged. Peter and partner cast their lines into very shallow water! I was also surprised that they did not show the caves near Kogel Bay. You can only reach these caves during low tied and the story goes that the Khoi hid their cattle in these caves after chasing the animals over the mountains from the Swellendam area. However, I'm glued to SABC 2 on Mondays from 19h30 to 20h30. Great programme! What about a repeat on Sundays? I would also like to know why the rivers in the Eastern Cape has such a coffee colour. |
Shoreline for shoreSubmitted by HJS on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 16:44. |
Absolutely a riveting program. Can't wait for Monday nights and already dreading the end of the series approaching. JUST love it. |
ShorelineSubmitted by mario on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 15:37. |
Very interesting program. Peter and Jack are a joy to watch doing their 'expedition' while I am relaxing on the couch! f |
TimeSubmitted by Antonette on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 15:20. |
What time does the show start? |
ShorelineSubmitted by Lynnette Rosenthal on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 14:31. |
In 1994 I travelled part of our coastline and I then reliased that I would want to come back and explore more. I always take the unknown little paths and you truely discover the gems on those unknown little walks. The program "Shoreline" is an inspiration and should be shown to all the people leaving this country. South Africa is a GEM and our coastline the golden finishing. I had 2 holidays at Keiriver and there we also realised that the coastline has so much to offer, you can spend a whole day walking on the beach and climb the rocks and discover a new sight behind every rock you turn and step you take. Shoreline is a brilliant program. I enjoy the presenter and his dog. He makes you want to climb in the TV and walk with him. It's so REAL!!!! |
Awesome Show!Submitted by T.S on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 14:11. |
Its an awesome show! Never miss it! |
I love the showSubmitted by Tumelo on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 14:05. |
but I think that they should change the time slot. I always miss 50 % of the show. I think they should move the show to Sunday afternoon. |
Camera workSubmitted by Anonymous on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 13:45. |
I find the camera work irritating. The host walks with a camera following then stops to turn around and speak at the camera, then walks, camera follows, turns around to speak .... Why is he not walking towards the camera or the the cameraman in front of him? Good and interesting topic but annoying to watch. |



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