BREAKING. 'e.tv and eNCA extends deepest condolences' after death of Nelson Mandela; rolling coverage will include docs and archive footage.

Following the death of Nelson Mandela on Thursday night, e.tv and eNCA (DStv 403) is the first 24-hour TV news channel to respond to TV with Thinus in the early hours of Friday morning after a media enquiry regarding coverage.

"e.tv and eNCA extends deepest condolences to family, friends, fellow South Africans and the world for the passing of former South African president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela," says e.tv in a statement.

"e.tv and eNCA regular programming changes in light of the passing of Nelson Mandela," says the Sabido run South African channels.

e.tv and eNCA as channels are immediately going with rolling 24-hour news coverage.

"This will include reports directly from all events and proceedings; the news will be interspersed with interviews with family, friends, business leaders, politicians and ordinary citizens," I'm told.

"The channels will also air documentaries and archive footage looking back at the life and times of Nelson Mandela and his enormous contribution to South Africa and the world."

"The broadcast will be dedicated to celebrating the life and remembering South Africa's greatest son," says e.tv and eNCA.