Read more
This new series showcases awe-inspiring feats rooted in ancient traditions.
David Blaine , Picture supplied
This month, National Geographic (DStv 181, Starsat 220) brings an unparalleled spectacle to South African screens in David Blaine: Do Not Attempt.
In this breathtaking six-part series, the world-famous magician and endurance artist pushes the limits of human potential.
Produced by the award-winning Imagine documentaries team led by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, the series explores the intersection of magic, mental resilience, and cultural traditions worldwide, including a riveting episode set in South Africa.
Available on Disney+ in South Africa, Blaine’s latest project is not just about magic tricks.
It’s an intimate journey into the extraordinary abilities of real people, showcasing awe-inspiring feats rooted in ancient traditions and modern mastery.
From India to the Arctic Circle, each episode immerses viewers in unique cultures, but one of the standout explorations takes place right here in South Africa.
South Africa’s magic: beyond illusion
In the South African episode, Blaine uncovers the deep connections between magic, endurance and cultural heritage. He immerses himself in the traditions of local communities, learning from sangomas (traditional healers), street performers, and even extreme endurance athletes who push their bodies to the absolute limit.
“South Africa is a place of transformation,” Blaine says in the episode. “There’s a magic here that isn’t about deception – it’s about resilience, belief, and the ability to overcome.”
The episode captures South Africa’s rich history of performance and spiritual connection.
Blaine meets traditional healers who demonstrate age-old rituals, some involving fire-walking, piercing, and trance-induced feats that defy logic.
He also spends time with modern illusionists in Johannesburg, who combine classic sleight-of-hand magic with urban storytelling, creating a unique style that reflects the country’s evolving identity.
ALSO READ: From The Chief to global ambassador: Lucas Radebe’s Leeds United legacy
Wildlife, survival, and the limits of the human body
@olwethumagician David Blaine Cape Town- College Of Magic
♬ original sound – Olwethu Dyantyi 🎩🪄
A key segment of the South Africa episode takes place in the untamed wilderness, where Blaine encounters wildlife experts who showcase mind-blowing survival techniques.
He learns from snake handlers who demonstrate how some local healers claim to communicate with deadly serpents – a practice that has fascinated and terrified people for centuries.
In a jaw-dropping moment, Blaine comes face-to-face with a Cape cobra, one of the most venomous snakes in Africa. Under careful supervision, he attempts to replicate a traditional technique used by local snake charmers. The tension is palpable as the cobra rises, its hood flared.
No tricks here!
“This is not a trick,” Blaine says to the camera. “This is centuries of knowledge and trust between humans and nature.”
Additionally, Blaine explores the art of mental and physical endurance with South African athletes who push the limits of pain tolerance.
He meets a free diver who can hold his breath for astonishing lengths of time and a fire-walker who crosses hot embers without injury. Through these experiences, Blaine underscores the power of the human mind, proving that true magic often lies in one’s ability to defy expectations.
ALSO READ: ‘It’s time I shared my full capabilities’: Dineo Ranaka to launch a new talk show
A story of transformation and connection, Blaine visits Cape Town’s vibrant street performance scene, where magicians and escape artists captivate audiences with homegrown illusions.
In Soweto, he meets young artists who use magic and acrobatics to inspire and uplift their communities. One particularly emotional moment comes when Blaine meets a young illusionist from Khayelitsha who has taught himself magic from YouTube videos.
The boy performs a mind-blowing sleight-of-hand trick that leaves Blaine speechless.
“Magic gives me hope,” the young performer says. “It makes me believe that anything is possible.”
For Blaine, this sentiment captures the essence of his journey: “What I’ve seen in South Africa is that magic is not just about tricking the eye. It’s about transforming lives.”
ALSO READ: What to stream this weekend: ‘Adolescence’ — entitlement and hatred of females
Celebration of the human spirit
Do Not Attempt is more than just a magic show –it’s a celebration of the human spirit. Each episode reveals the raw, real magic that exists in different cultures.
The South African instalment is particularly powerful, offering a deep dive into the country’s traditions, wildlife, and people.
The series serves as a reminder that true magic is not just about illusion – it’s about endurance, mastery, and the ability to inspire.
But as the title warns (Do Not Attempt), these feats are performed under expert supervision and must not be tried at home.
Prepare to witness the impossible.
Download our app
