Original subtitles

‎Hey, man. ‎It's that guy from TV, right?

Hey, stop him!

-Everybody down. Down!

Hey!

-Indeed. -I'm telling you, I saw it.

‎Where did you see it? This guy.

-You know what your problem is? -Uh-uh.

-You forget that I was once your age.

-Where is it, man? Where is it? -No, man.

Where is it?

‎4-4-2, that's how we do it.

-You see? I've been around. -Okay, cool. Cool.

Okay. Okay.

This is what I want us to do.

I want us to play a game, a mental one.

Don't worry.

Just humor me.

I want you to close your eyes.

-Just humor me, alright?

Okay.

I want you to think of a song.

-Any song.

Maybe it's a song that's playing on radio.

You hear it here and there, or whatever the case might be,

but you don't know who sings it and you don't care.

Can you think of that song?

-Yeah. -Yeah.

-You got it? -Yeah.

Right.

Now, I want you to think of another song.

But the difference with this song,

-is that this one is great. -Okay.

It's a nice song.

You like it, you know who sings it, it plays all over.

In the taxis.

‎Everywhere you go, you hear ‎this song. Can you think of that song?

-Yeah. -Cause I can think of that song.

-For me it's‚ "Äònamhla senz'umlando‚"'.

You see? That's what I'm talking about.

So, I want you to think of something, yeah? This is my analogy.

If you and your life,

were to be a song,

what song would you be?

Are you going to be that song that nobody knows,

who sings it, and they don't care?

Or do you want to be the second song,

‎where you know the lyrics?

Yeah, it's a nice song, but you're not gonna go out and buy it.

Or are you going to be the final song?

Now that one is the evergreen.

You know what they call the evergreen?

A hit.

The reason I'm asking you this is,

-people like Nelson Mandela,

like Oprah Winfrey,

‎-like Jay-Z.

How long will you guys be talking about Jigga and Beyonce for?

Oh, forever.

-Years and years, right? -Yeah.

Those are the sort of people that history books are written about.

Those are luminaries that leave,

legacies in the world.

History books are written about people such as those.

It's all,

your choice.

You know what, Sir.

We hear you, yeah? But I wanna know one thing.

Where did you go to school?

-St John's.

Cheese boy. A rich kid.

You see? So, you sit here in a fancy suit and shoes,

and you want us to believe your stories?

Look at the watch you're wearing. Am I lying, gents?

This watch can buy groceries for the whole year.

‎-Right?

Sir, when I look at you, I can see that you've never,

-ever in your life slept with hunger. -How?

You don't know how difficult it is to be us.

-Really? -At home, I eat a slice of bread

and share the rest among five people.

-Five, my guy? Make that seven for me. -You see?

I live with my grandmother and grandfather. And my grandmother,

she's sick, you see. She has to take 20 pills a day to stimulate her

blood sugar.

Yeah, but my point is, umm…

we don't have money. Everything goes to my grandmother and her medication.

-Exactly that. -Yeah.

We can't afford your luxuries.

You eat chicken curry everyday. We don't even get to eat rice.

When we eat rice it's a special day. On Sunday, if we're lucky.

No, no…

-You must! -You must, gents.

You've started with your jokes. What on earth is that?

-My man, it's cabbage. -This guy.

Even if there's no food at home, there is always cabbage.

That's why they call it…

-"Julle moet."

You see, around here Sir,

the whole family uses a basin to bathe. There are no showers.

-A little tub. -Yeah, imagine.

So, you know what I find interesting?

You look at me now and you think

‎this is what you see, ‎this is what I've always been.

That "Julle moet" you speak of, I know it.

-Using a small bath tub, I know that. -Okay, cheese boy.

-Cheese boy. -Careful now.

When you take that corner,

-the third house from the other corner, -Mm.

-the one without a fence, -Yeah.

-with a tall tree? -Yeah.

-I grew up there. -Come on, Sir. Don't play with us.

-We're not idiots. -You can ask anybody here. I'm from here.

-Listen to these ones.

Not a chance.

No, I promise you. That's where I grew up.

-Next game, Themba! -Hey and talk about Themba's

‎big hits, man.

-Jesus. Wow. -Themba.

-Gents, travel safely. -You too.

-Aweh. Check you, bro. Thanks. -We'll check you.

-Great game, Themba. -Thank you.

-Check you next time. -Cheers, my bro. Have a good one.

Have a good one, yeah?

-Hundreds, man. -Aweh.

Congratulations again, bro. Player of the season.

Thank you so much, bro.

What do you have there?

Oh, this little thing?

Oh, this is just a championship trophy.

-Trophy? -Yeah.

Oh Themba, you're so modest and handsome.

With that,

flat and shiny hair of yours. I tried mousse on,

-Jacob's hair… -Oh my gosh. Mom, stop, stop, stop.

You can't say that. That's offensive.

His' not really shiny and flat.

It's not offensive.

It's a compliment. I like his hair.

Thank you.

You can't say that. Can we just go, please?

We can't just go and leave him standing here.

Oh, don't worry. My mom is a couple of minutes away, it's okay.

-Are you sure? -Yeah, I'm fine. I'm good.

So, she's almost here. Maybe she's just on African time.

-Yeah. African time. -Geez, Mom. You can't say that.

You're embarrassing. Can we just go?

Alright, alright, we will leave.

You must excuse my son.

Sometimes…

-Yeah. -Yeah.

Yeah, no problem.

‎Bye.

Hello, mama. You alright?

Are you and him travelling together?

-Yes, we're together. -Okay. Two more people and we can leave.

Then we're off.

Yes. There, we have one more.

Yes, it's all coming together.

There we go.

Oh my word, what's this I see?

You're drop dead gorgeous. What a beautiful woman.

I know you're probably sweet enough on your own, but if we were,

to become one, you be mine and I be yours, it would be a magical thing.

Here you go, princess.

Does that line ever work?

Oh, what do you mean, because I see you smiling.

Don't flatter yourself.

What do you mean? Flattery is real, and it works. Hmm?

Look at how a beautiful woman like yourself is looking at me.

Your flattery won't get you anywhere.

Oh, how do you know? That's not true.

I could sweep you off your feet and take you to a place you've never been.

Here, let me show you.

There you go.

If you'd please hold on to these for me.

There you go.

Let's go, guys. Let's go. Excuse me, my sister.

Gosh, where is she going?

You just jumped in.

Get in anyway. Get in.

Get in, get in.

There we go.

‎-There we go.

That's it.

Well, get in, guys. You've heard it all for yourselves.

Seeing as the pretty lady won't give me her number, we aren't going anywhere.

-No, that's not right. We want to go. -What does that have to do with us?

My goodness, sis'.

We're late, we're tired and we want to go.

Give the man your number.

Well, I guess we're not moving then because,

I'm not giving him my number.

-Geez.

-Really now.

Listen, sis. Tell our sister over here that,

if we go home together, she might like it a lot. I have plenty of cattle.

He doesn't understand English.

‎So, he says pretty, pretty ‎please give him your number.

So, give him your number. It's not as if you're a virgin, right?

Can he take care of me? Is he romantic?

She asked if you have money.

Tell her that won't be a problem. My cattle is in abundance.

Money is no issue.

Tell her that I'll treat her well.

Tell her.

So apparently he owns this rank and the mall next door

‎to this one.

-Hmm? -Yeah.

Does he have kids? How many?

She asked if you can make babies.

What?

Tell her to relax. I have plenty of children all over the township.

‎Huh? Back home.

I have lots of kids. I'll give her kids, easily so.

He doesn't have kids.

He doesn't know how to make kids. He's clean.

Well, we're not going anywhere.

-Come on, sis'. Give him your number. -Come on, sis'. I mean…

I'm uncomfortable. Look at how I'm seated.

And you won't give him your number? Should I give him mine?

Would you like mine?

-Hold on. -Okay, fine.

‎073…

-I'm also writing them down. -073…

Hey, you'll stay behind. I'll kick you out of my vehicle. Whose number?

-Whisper. -324.

324.

‎-7602. ‎-7602.

-7602. Alright, there we go.

-So, who's in a rush? -Don't you want mine?

You're now ruining things for me.

-Let's get going.

‎

Did you hear…

Did you hear what your neighbor was doing yesterday?

No, I didn't. Let's hear it.

Hello.

-Hello. -Hello.

Gladys' boy is back.

‎hhm

You know, he mustn't go to prison like his brother.

Let me go and tell them that he's back.

‎Ma?

-There we go.

-I guess I'm in for a good night.

-Am I right? -No, man. What are you doing?

-Here, put this in there.

Oh.

Hello, son.

This is my son.

-How are you, boy. What's up? -Don't mess with me.

-Themba, I didn't raise you like that. -I'm not your boy.

Say sorry.

-Who is this, Ma? -I didn't raise you that way. Say sorry.

My boy, your mother here,

lives off me.

She uses my money to buy drinks.

-But you know that money makes… -Leave, my guy.

Yes, but you can't say that in front of him.

‎My guy, leave before you get hurt.

-I must leave? -Leave.

-I'm not until I get what I want. -Huh?

-What now? What? -Themba, man.

Out. Get out.

How dare you, Themba? How dare you?!

How dare I?!

In my father's house, how dare I?

-Who? Whose house? -My father, Jacob. Have you forgotten him?

-Your father's house? -Yes, this is my father's house!

-Who are you talking about? My husband? -Yes. My father, Jacob.

-Have you forgotten my father? -My husband? This man?

Do you know who this man was?

Do you know who that is?

This man was a great man who took care of me,

and you two boys.

You know the whole township thinks that my mother has lost her mind?

Talking about my mother the drunkard!

Saying that my mother is a whore!

A whore?

Speak!

What did you just call me? Themba.

Who are you to sit there and judge me, your mother?

When I raised you and your brother.

Where is your brother right now?

-Where's your brother? -In prison.

In prison. Do you want to join him in prison?

The madness that you speak of,

do you know that it feeds you?

That's R200 you just chased away.

R200 that gets you to school.

R200 that I send to your brother in prison!

Is that where you want to end up?

Do you think I like doing, what I'm doing?

Spreading my legs for nasty men?

Men with pot bellies.

Is that what you think I like doing?

The only thing that you are worried about, Themba…

is your precious sushi,

and fancy brands. Why don't you wake your father?

Wake him up and tell him to buy you your brands. Adidas, Nike.

‎Whatever it is.

‎You see this man?

He was the love of my life.

I miss your father, Themba.

I miss this man.

Themba, you're my only hope

to get out of this poverty. You're my only hope.

That's why I called you Themba. Even your name says it.

‎You're my only hope.

I didn't mean to disrespect you, Ma.

I didn't mean to disrespect you.

I'm sorry.

Guess who.

It can't be.

-Hey. -Hey, how are you doing, babe?

-I'm good and you? -I'm good.

-Are you happy to see me? -Of course I'm happy to see you.

I mean, you're only the most handsome guy in the world.

You know how to put a smile on a man's face.

Oh, so you're a man now?

-I mean, you want me to show you here? -Uh-uh, come on.

Oh, what? Are your parents home for the weekend?

-Supposably. -Supposedly.

Huh?

-You said supposably‚ it's supposedly. -Come on, Themba.

What up, boy?

-What it do, baby?

-My boy. My boy. -Come on. Come on with it, king.

Ah, my man.

-This is you? This is you? -What up, baby? In the flesh.

-This is you? -What's good?

-What's up, man? -Easy.

-I'm easy. Don't call me that. -What up, cheese boy?

Come on.

What? What are you wearing. Ey, you and your shirts, boy.

My boy, this is Prada.

-Oh, it's Prada? -You see it for yourself.

-Ah! Hold on a second, boy.

Hey, mama.

-What's going on? -Kiss me here.

-Kiss me here. -No, man.

Kiss me.

Dude, what's up?

Palesa, what's going on?

Pale…

My man.

Palesa.

Madam President.

President.

You see, my boy? I've been telling you,

-Palesa. -Listen. Listen, boy.

I've been telling you to forget about Palesa.

But you won't listen.

Huh?

You don't take me seriously.

I've been telling you,

to just forget about her.

-But you just don't listen. -Palesa.

-Palesa. -Stop calling her name.

Stop calling her name.

You see, boy? Look at yourself and look at Palesa.

You're ashy.

-You know what, you're full of shit. -Oh, hey.

Huh?

Huh, now?

Yeah?

-Listen.

Let me tell you. This energy of yours,

-and that anger you're carrying,

you should use it to make money.

But you are being aggro for nothing.

You're at school busy chasing after a ball, hmm?

You're busy studying chasing rugby balls and being an oke.

I'm a oke.

Stop doing that, my boy. Let me tell you something.

I can give you something to channel your energy into and make money.

You get me?

When you chase after balls all day,

you sweat.

The only sweat,

that I do, my boy,

is when I'm on top of her,

and then she's moaning for me.

-She's moaning for me.

You know how she moans, right?

You don't know how she moans?

Okay, look. You know the…

pa-pa-pa-pa…

You don't know it?

Ah, my boy. You are an embarrassment.

But don't worry, I got you. You know what we'll do?

Later,

come through to the grill-house.

I'll set you up and show you how money,

is made by real hustlers like Mlilo, The Fire. Yeah?

Come to Bahama, boy.

Hashtag it.

Listen, kiss me over here.

-Let's go.

Let the going get going.

Leave him.

Yoh.

Now, That's wild. Nah, dude, that is wild.

Nah, bruh. That is not wild. That is messed up, okay? Like…

there's no way.

That's why I want nothing to do with girls.

‎You don't want them cause ‎they don't want you.

-Come on. Shut up. Why say that? -They don't want you. What can you do?

-What will you do? I'm telling you. -Shut up. Why must you say that?

Mind your language.

Hey, look. Watch your language.

So, what happened, Sir?

Dude, that's simple.

The man had no money,

so the girl kept it moving.

-Simple. Simple. -It hurts, boy. It really hurts. That,

you're broke and they leave you because you're broke.

Look. Think about it. Remember when we were at school,

that boy was dumped because he had no money?

-The boy with the cars. Remember him? -Yeah, I remember him.

-Life is tough, my man. -Life is tough.

‎Big bro, break it down. ‎What happened next?

Yeah, so,

as angry as I was,

I decided to go back to the grill-house later that night.

-Ah.

Oh, yeah. Oh, Themba.

My dawg. The man who causes trouble at a wedding. What up, boy?

Hey, I'm not doing this for you.

‎Let's just get it over and done with.

"I'm not doing this for you. I'm just…"

Relax, boy. Huh?

Yo, please give us some swing. Give us some room to operate.

Let me talk to my boy. Come here, man. Relax, man. Huh?

What's up?

You see that brother over there?

The one I just asked for some space?

Yeah? You see him? Look at him. Okay, stop looking. Relax, Themba.

‎You get me?

This is one of my biggest clients.

But soon, he's going to be your biggest client.

So, you must get to know him very well. Get it?

Your biggest client? Are you selling ass?

Themba. Themba, you'll…

you'll raise my blood pressure, okay?

‎Yeah?

-I'm trying to help you here. -You said he's your client.

Yeah. Enough about that. You see this, boy? Look.

Look over here.

-Look over here. -This guy.

You get me? Look. So, this is what happens.

Every morning, yeah, we meet up here,

you get your bag, you hit the streets you make us some money and come back.

Scratch my back, I scratch yours. It's simple.

-You want me to sell drugs? -Listen. Would you just shh.

"You want me to sell drugs?"

Where do you think we are?

-So, now you're pushing the white? -No, man. Relax.

Relax, man.

You're making noise about selling drugs. Hold on a minute.

Let me tell you. You see here?

We hustle and we live. We're people that make plans to…

-What's up, gents? -Yeah, yeah, yeah.

You good?

-What's up? -Yeah, so I have the sugar.

You have it here? Don't whip it out now. Hold on. Damn.

Look, man. I'll be back. Stay put. Look around.

Loosen up, Themba. Huh? This is not the burbs.

Hey.

Hey?

That's all you're gonna say after everything I've just found out?

I didn't mean for things to pan out this way.

Please understand.

Understand?

I understand. I understand, alright.

I understand that I'm a fool and you're clever.

I understand that I'm not a thug and I…

have no money.

Themba, it's not that black and white.

-Oh, it's not? -No.

I love you.

Please.

Humor me.

I do.

It's just that sometimes money just isn't enough.

I mean, look around you. Look at the people here.

Look at these girls. I also want to look beautiful.

I also want a weave and to get my nails done.

But I can't because my parents are unemployed.

And my older sister's in varsity.

So, that's your excuse to sleep with my best friend?

It's not like that.

Uh…

it's all there.

As if you have a choice.

Uh…

Bra Ceasar, you know I'd never cross you.

You know, ever since you started hanging with that young chick,

you've gone soft on me.

Do I need to replace you?

No, no, no. There's absolutely no reason to…

to replace me.

Good. Good.

Now get out of my face.

Oh, yeah. Your face, yeah.

Yeah, yeah. Sure, Bra Caesar.

What's it like?

Tell me.

Themba…

You don't know what it's like sleeping hungry. Finding a piece job.

Having to clean up after people. Doing people's laundry.

Doing people's hair just to survive.

How would you know because you're in boarding school?

With high walls and electric fences.

You eat whatever you want to eat.

Look. I'm not judging you, okay?

Hello, lovers. Ex lovers. #You'reMyGirlNow. You good?

Please give us some space mammy. Let talk man to man with my boy, yeah?

Yes now.

Give me space to talk to Themba, alright?

Sure thing, the boys.

So, as I was saying. You see?

Tomorrow morning, you come through,

I give you your stuff you hit the streets and start running. Yeah?

Yeah?

Loosen up, man. Loosen up.

Huh? You've got so much tension. Rato!

Please come here, my lovey. Come here, Rato.

This is my friend, Themba.

-Yeah. -And Themba has got so much tension.

Please help him out. Get him to stop being tense.

-Anything for you, baby. -Anything for me, and anything for,

-Themba. Come on. -Hi. How are you?

-I'm okay. -Do you wanna give mommy a kiss?

Ah, thank you.

Good Lord. Hey, you. Thick mama.

-What's up? Hey, hey, hey. Relax. Relax. -Focus.

Hey, hey, hey. Focus.

Hey, focus.

Thank you, my dear.

You see? And that's where things went wrong.

Horribly wrong.

So, you see I was desperate,

‎looking for ways to make money ‎and help my mother.

It was going towards Christmas and I also wanted nice clothes. You know…

Everybody buys new clothes for Christmas.

I wanted to be like all the other kids.

And I wanted to help my mother, so I took a job.

-Selling drugs on the corner for… -Joh.

for Mlilo.

You know, I was surprised how much money,

I could make so quickly. Within one week I had bought everything I wanted.

From clothes, you name it. I had it all in one week.

Only to find that the cops,

had that very corner where I was selling drugs,

under surveillance for a long time.

And just my luck,

that one fateful day…

‎

Just hold on a minute.

-Hi. -Hi.

Aweh, hold on. Let me sort her out.

-My sister, how are you? I'm good. -I'm good. You?

Hook me up with the stuff.

No problem.

‎Hey, stop him!

Turn around! The other side!

-Everybody down! Down!

-Down!

Hey!

You look like a nice young man, okay?

I just want to talk to you.

Just put the gun down.

-We'll talk. No one needs to get hurt. -Hey. Hey.

Fuck off.

-We'll just talk. -Fuck off!

-You hear me? -Okay, put it down.

-Put it down. -Oh, you won't listen?

You don't listen.

-I'll kill her. I swear, I'll kill her! -No, man. Hey.

-I'll kill her. I'll blow her brains out. -Okay. Okay.

Get out!

-Just calm down. -Shut up! Get out!

-Don't hurt her. -Fuck off!

It's a hostage situation.

Tango Kilo 13. Tango Kilo 13, come in. It's Tango Kilo 11.

Tango Kilo 11, go ahead.

Yeah, I need back up. I have a hostage situation.

A young man, armed and dangerous.

What's your 03?

My 03 is, Vukani Kwa-ThemaSpaza Shop on Tyolweni Street.

-Back up is on the way. -I copy that.

Close the door. Lock the door.

Lock the door, old man!

-Don't do this, my boy.

-Don't do this. -Hey, fuck you. Move it.

Mama, come around. I'm watching you. Come around.

Come, mama. Come.

Come.

Oh my word.

My boy, let's talk.

Let's talk, my boy.

This is not the time. Come.

No, man. Come on. Everyone…

Uh hands up! Hands up!

You see, boys?

Some of the greatest lessons in life,

come from the hardest times in your life.

-They'll make a man out of you.

Go down, and…

make a circle.

I said form a circle. Form a circle!

Go around. Go around.

No, wait a minute.

-Get into the corner. -Yes, we're in the corner.

Keep still.

‎Are... Are you laughing?

Are you laughing?

Is this funny?

Huh?

You don't know what's going on. You don't know what you are doing.

I know what I'm doing.

-No, you don't. -Yes, I do.

If you knew what you were doing, you…

you wouldn't look like a mouse…

running around in a trap, my boy.

I know what to do next. What I need to do, I…

-I… -You don't know. Listen…

-I know! -Okay. Okay.

What I have to do next is uhm…

-I just… -You don't know what you're doing, boy.

-You hear that?

-It's all of you, you're the problem! -Wait, listen. Listen. Okay.

I'd suggest you go and speak to the cops.

Negotiate…

your demands with them, my boy.

And if they agree then good. If they don't

agree, then you can shoot. Bang, bang, bang.

-You can shoot her, plus she loves men. -No.

-Hey. -No, man.

-You can't talk like that. -This boy won't do anything.

-He's scared. He… -Hey! Hey!

-But he's got a gun. -And I'll use it right now.

-You'll use it, my boy? -Now. Now.

You want to know what I think?

Huh?

I'll tell you what I think.

I think you don't know who you are.

-You don't know yourself. -What?

Who are you, my boy?

This is Gladys and Jacob Tshabalala‚'s son.

‎No, I know the boy. ‎I know this boy.

He's Shengu's son.

Yeah.

You're Mavuso's son.

Do you know who you are?

I know your dad.

Your dad was an orphan. He raised five of his siblings.

-Don't talk nonsense about my dad. -Listen, your dad was a hustler.

Your dad did amazing things.

He lived in a four room house.

Exactly, your dad treated that four room house like a ten bedroom Sandton house.

Hold on. That man worked too hard for you to do this.

You know he worked hard.

Why…

-Why are you talking like my mother? -Don't even mention your mother.

Your mother was heart broken when your dad passed away.

Yes.

She even started drinking.

She got into depression but she overcame it.

And she made sure that,

you have food on the table, my boy. You can't do this.

-You can't do this, boy.

Do you know who you are?

I can see your father in your eyes, my boy. Your father was a hero. A mentor.

Your father mentored a lot of people. The likes of…

Joe Nina. Yes. Joe Nina.

What's that Bucie song?

-Will you be my… -Superman.

-No, man, it's superhero! -Superman.

The likes of Xolani Jwaga. You name them. Kagiso Modupe.

He's a director now. Mentored by your father, my boy. Mshengu!

-Mshengu. -Come on. Mshengu.

Yeah.

Don't do this to yourself, man.

I mean, your dad, my boy,

if he were to see you from wherever he is…

You know, the danger with what you're doing is that,

you'll land in trouble.

You young boys get into trouble,

because you don't know your roots.

You need to know who you are, my man.

You need to know your identity and it's not you pointing guns at us.

You will hurt us.

You should be big, man. Maybe a team captain, like Siya Kolisi.

Yeah!

Don't piss on your future like this.

Huh, my boy?

-Speaking of which. I need to take a piss. -No, no, no.

-Let me go piss. -Everyone down.

-Everyone down now! Now!

-Now. -Okay.

Shit.

My boy…

-It's okay, it's okay.

Oh, fuck. Papa, please help me.

Please help me, Papa.

‎Okay, Maduwe, ‎what do we have here?

I'm not sure. I thought we'd keep it safe until we can confirm his location.

Okay.

-Hello, everyone. -Hello, sis'.

-What's going on inside there? -There are hostages inside there.

-Okay. -So it means you have to stay over there.

Okay.

Okay. A young man. He's armed, about 20, could be older.

About four hostages, not sure, they could be more.

I think, if we come in from both sides

‎and we just lie low until ‎we're sure of his position.

-We good? -We good.

You know, my boy.

This won't end well.

Huh?

No, you heard me, son.

You know, you're such a handsome man.

And your future is bright.

Do you know how many young men would love to go to that expensive school of yours?

You know what? That's the thing.

Because I go to an expensive school people think I don't have any problems.

Not understanding that your problems…

are expensive.

You don't know what it feels like, Mama.

You don't know what it feels like to pretend

‎like you're rich, ‎knowing very well,

that you're poor.

You don't know what it feels like,

being teased about your sense of style.

One look and they can tell that your clothes are fake.

They can tell your clothes are fake.

You don't know how it feels like,

to be reminded everyday that you don't belong.

One can't even enjoy a simple ham and cheese sandwich because,

I know that my mother,

probably had no food on that day.

If she did, it was a crust.

Crust…

from the pap she made the previous day. While I'm having ham and cheese.

I can't even enjoy it.

You don't know what it's like…

after school these kids get picked up,

by luxury cars. In the morning they get dropped off, while I,

"You, you must wake up at the crack of dawn…"

Get on three taxis and then climb a bus,

and then still walk another three kilometers,

to get to school. And when I get to school the teachers all,

have the gall to say‚ you're such a good student because you're here on time.

They don't know that I,

am just hiding the shame,

of my situation at home.

Oh, sports days are my favorite.

I become the star.

The White folk celebrate me.

They hand me trophies. They make me,

the man of the match.

Player of the season!

All of my teammates parents came to support them, but me,

not even one day.

You know, Mama.

In the townships…

when you try and do something good,

people get jealous.

Nobody celebrates you.

But when there's a loss,

like you now.

My boy. Boy…

They're so quick,

to gather when someone is losing.

But you're never there,

to celebrate their wins.

So forgive me, Mama. I'm tired.

I'm tired.

I also want to be a child.

I also want to be a child.

I'm burdened.

I'm tired.

I'm tired.

My child, you need to have that,

you need to have a,

-"So what" attitude. -So what? What are you saying?

You know…

Do you know why you're so tired and bothered?

It's because you've filled your heart, mind and soul with,

so much unnecessary pressure.

Papa, as people, sometimes we do things just,

to impress other people.

-And that's exactly what you're doing. -It's hard, Mama.

-I know. -It's hard.

Don't focus on things…

you don't have. But focus on what you do have, my son.

And so what if your friends,

get dropped off in luxury cars? It's not theirs, it's their parents cars.

Look,

these clothes of yours,

it doesn't matter if they're fake or not.

Those expensive brands are for them.

Their parents bought those for them.

They're not theirs, man.

I'm sorry to do this, my boy.

Not to sound awful, but,

fake clothes are unacceptable.

-You can't be wearing Apple Mac jeans. -Come on, Wes.

-Wes, stop it. -Sorry to interrupt.

‎I just wanted to lighten the situa…

-Stop it. -Okay, I'll stop.

My goodness, Wes.

As long as you're covered,

and you're warm.

And the fact that your mother doesn't attend your sports games…

-Don't worry about it. I know. -But it hurts. It hurts.

Papa, I know, but it's still a celebration.

You're still a winner and nothing changes.

Right? The achievement is still the same.

Sometimes you should put the beautiful things you have,

in front of you,

and remember that at least you have a little something. Okay, my boy?

-Do you understand me? -Yes, Ma.

Yes, I hear you.

One day,

you'll look back at this day…

and feel so stupid,

that you ever doubted yourself.

Look, you haven't gotten there yet. You hear me, my boy?

I know you're not where you want to be yet.

But where you are right now,

-it's beautiful too.

And you can't even see the beauty,

because you're obsessed with where you're not.

Sometimes just let life be.

Let everything just fall into place.

You must just relax.

You hear me, my boy?

I'd like to know,

why was she crying if she wronged you?

I won't even lie. If it was me…

-I was going to slap her.

-Like this. Finished. -No, whoa.

She's disrespectful. Imagine, boy.

See, that response is exactly what society expects of us as Black men.

And it is now time for you young men to change this stereotype.

It's time for you guys to change this narrative.

We don't own women, we have no right to beat them.

When a woman says no, she means no.

I mean, look at me and Palesa.

She rejected me at the most vulnerable point in my life.

Did I go mad?

Did it hurt?

Yes, it hurt.

But guess what?

I took it and made something,

out of it for my own life.

For my own benefit.

So, when a woman breaks up with you,

or does things that you don't like,

prove her wrong.

Don't be that guy.

Always remember it's not always about you.

Sometimes,

there's just things going on in her life and your timing is wrong.

Hmm?

Sometimes she's not feeling you.

And another girl will feel you.

Sometimes you must just wait,

and what is meant to be will be.

-Que sera, sera. -Whatever will be, will be.

‎Whatever will be, will be.

You know it.

-Where did you learn Spanish from? -It's not Spanish. It's Greek. Sorry.

-Whatever will be, will be. -Remember that.

What is it? Que…

-Nada. -Nada?

Que sera, sera. ♪ Whatever will be will be ♪

♪ The future is not ours to see ♪

Que sera, sera. Uh-huh. You must go to church, you'll get it there.

Huh-uh.

No ways. Not you.

Not you, you little whore.

You're crying?

Huh?

She's…

-She's faking to cry. You see her? -Themba. Themba, Themba, Themba.

No, man.

Huh?

You know, I wasted four years,

-of my life.

I gave you four years.

I loved you.

-Yes, maybe I,

did not own,

a droptop.

Maybe I was not a thug.

But the little that I had,

I gave to you.

Yes, I couldn't take you on expensive dinner dates,

but I could hustle and get you a bunny chow.

That's the best I could do from the bottom of my heart. I could,

hustle and at least take you out to the movies. See, for me,

the main thing was sentiment.

Meaning.

Being genuine.

I'm not where I want to be as a man but I'm working towards it.

I guess, I just wanted a Bonnie to my Clyde.

I wanted a ride or die.

-And you decided to ride away…

in a droptop.

You know, I can actually see that,

you're your mother's daughter. She's her mother's daughter.

‎Themba, that's not true.

‎-Huh?

I said, you're your mother's daughter.

-I don't know what that means. -That means…

your mother raised a bitch.

A slut. You're a low-lying bitch that I,

-went and gave my whole life to. -Okay, Themba!

No, man.

What are you doing? What are you doing?

Do you know this song?

This is the kind of song…

that transcend,

races,

nationalities and generations.

Your children,

and your children's children will be listening to this song,

way…

after you're gone, son.

And next time…

when you want to lay a hand on a woman, ask yourself one thing.

What kind of a song,

do you want to be? Do you want to be that kind of a song,

when people look at you and say…

No…

don't tell us about Themba.

He's a wife-beater‚

or do you want people to say,

Themba,

loved his family.

He loved his wife,

and took care of his kids.

Huh?

Do you want people to say, don't tell us about Themba,

he was arrested for killing women.

Or do you want them to say,

Themba was protective,

of women.

My boy, ask yourself a question.

Are you going to be,

a killer,

or a healer?

Are you going to be a nation builder,

or a nation destroyer?

Is your song going to be, my boy,

one that will be sung

through history?

Nelson Mandela was that song.

Oliver Tambo was that song. Robert Sobukwe was that song.

Walter Sisulo was that song.

Jacob Tshabalala,

your father was that song.

So, do you want your life to be a song,

worth singing, my boy?

My boy…

I was once,

a broken man.

But I chose to be a different song.

You know, at some point in my life,

I used to be an abusive man.

I used to abuse this,

this Black queen.

My Angie.

Baby…

I'm sorry.

I'm still sorry. I didn't know,

any better then.

And I will never stop apologizing to you.

My boy.

When you have to change your life,

you almost face it like you're an addict or an alcoholic.

One day at a time. And one day at a time for over 30 years is what I've been doing.

Just to make sure,

that I become a better man.

I was six years old, my boy,

when my father,

left our family.

My mother,

made sure that we slept on full stomachs. But sometimes,

we slept on empty stomachs.

But she worked,

just like your mother.

Ma Glad. So, my boy,

you still have an opportunity,

to decide what kind of a man,

do you want to be?

Right now,

it's your opportunity,

it is for you,

to choose.

You have an opportunity to become a role model.

So that the whole community and millions,

of people,

to look up to you.

So, my boy.

You still have an opportunity,

to decide what kind of a man,

do you want to be.

You're crying?

-You're crying? No. No. -Shh.

Men don't cry.

Geez.

-You can't point a gun at us and cry. -Come on, Wes.

-Come on, Wes. -No, no, no.

-No. The man must fix this thing! -Wes.

Something happens, my guy…

when a man cries.

Something really happens.

The heart softens a bit.

I think it's actually the opposite.

It's a sign of strength, my boy.

Yes, my boy. It is not a sign of weakness.

Do you hear what I'm saying, my boy?

Because in that vulnerability there is strength.

Vulnerability, my boy,

vulnerability my boy is,

the new strength.

When tears flow they soften,

a frozen heart.

They make it melt.

I'm so sorry.

Please forgive me.

I just let my situation turn me into something I'm not.

‎I'm not even into material things.

And I don't want those things anymore, Themba.

Please forgive me. And we could,

we could start over and I could be better.

I don't want those things and I don't want us to be another statistic.

You and I could just start afresh.

We can have a new beginning.

We can help each other.

I could be better, you could be better.

Please just forgive me. I beg of you, Themba.

I'm so sorry.

Please.

Please.

I've got to take this. Sorry, just hold on.

-Oh, hello, my love.

Hello, my love. How are you?

Same old, same old. But more importantly,

-how's it going there in London? -It's freezing here.

The summit is going well.

I did a presentation and they loved it.

They literally lapped up,

the Honey Black Girls.

I think we gonna get this one.

Oh! That's fantastic news. I'm proud of you.

Well, it really feels good, you know,

to be recognized for my own hard work. Not because of who I am,

or who I'm married to.

I'm really happy for all your progress. You've done well.

I'm proud of you.

And so next time

‎when I'm working on an international ‎campaign I don't wanna hear that,

"Close your laptop and come to bed early". Right?

Eh. Well, yeah.

Okay.

You say that now.

Well, you can't blame a man for trying. Can you?

Listen, I have to go.

I love you.

I love you.

Bye.

Okay, before you get excited, that was my wife.

The same Palesa who was crying there in the shop.

That's my wife.

Yeah, I told you.

Stop pointing at me.

Whose phone is that? Yours?

Don't you dare.

-Hey, hey, hey.

-Ma Angie, you too? -Oh, okay.

Fuck. Give me your phones, right now!

-Put them in here! -Sure.

Boy boy, take it easy.

-Easy, my boy. Easy, Themba. -Here are the cellphones.

-Easy, my boy. Easy, Themba. -Come this side.

Must I put them here?

Sure, my boy. I'm sorry, boy.

Themba, easy.

-You, where's your phone? -Take it easy.

-We have no phones on us. -I have nothing.

Whose is that?

-Is it you? -No.

-Whose phone is ringing?

-It's… -Where is it?

Gosh.

It's the boy who…

I'm watching you.

Sure.

Hey, boy. Fuck off.

-Who the hell is this? -Take it easy.

-Come. Move it. -Themba, Themba. Don't do that.

Are you a snitch, boy?

-Themba. Themba. -I will kill this boy. Who is this?

-Who's this? Come here. -His name is Gift.

Are you a snitch?

-Did you call the cops? -No, it wasn't me.

-Then who was it? -Take it easy, man.

-Wait… -Come over here.

-He's a student from Wits. -Okay, okay.

-Come here. Okay, okay. -He works here.

He's a Wits student.

And he's doing his second year of BCom.

Did he call the cops?

No, he works here.

He only works,

during school holidays.

Yes. He works here and then…

-He's an orphan. -An orphan. Who cares? Get over there.

-Yoh. -No, man. No.

-No, man. Themba, no. -Themba, Themba, Themba.

-Relax. -Geez. Sorry, boy.

Themba Tshabalala.

This is the police.

You are surrounded. You have nowhere to go.

Please come out with your hands behind your head.

Ah…

Did you hear that?

-Themba, no! -Themba, don't do that!

One of the suspects who is doing his last year in high school,

has been on the police watch list,

as one of the people who was selling drugs.

He was immediately caught red handed earlier this afternoon.

And he immediately fled the scene as soon as the police approached him.

So far, no one has been reported injured,

or actually reported dead.

We'll bring you more updates as the situation unfolds.

I'm Thembi Mrototo,

and this is BKN News.

Boy, look.

We don't know each other. Look me in the eyes. Please.

My guy,

we don't know each other.

You don't owe me a thing but can I tell you a story?

-Before you do what you're about to do… -Do you think I have time for stories?

‎-Themba! Themba! ‎-No.

But can I tell you still? Please.

Five years ago,

I also lost my superhero.

My dad.

Just like you, Themba. I was also raised in the township.

Right here in this hood.

But I went to Springs Boys High.

So,

my dad used to work as a delivery man.

And every time after school,

he'd pick me up and drive back to the hood.

Okay?

So, this one time when my dad came to pick me up,

he sees this old,

frail man,

hitchhiking on the side of the road.

As he was hitchhiking,

my dad decides to give him a lift, because he seemed harmless.

He got into the car and he was carrying this big bag.

So, because,

he wanted to know, my dad asked him where he was going.

And the man said,

he's taking his dog to the vet.

So, because my dad is the type of man who,

called a spade a spade.

He told the man,

what I'm going to advise you is to save your money,

and just bury this dog.

Save your money,

and bury this dog.

But this old man insisted and he said no.

He's going to town and he's taking his dog,

to the vet.

So, my father dropped him off,

and he came to Springs, picks me up,

and on our way back home my dad decides to drive past town,

to check on the old man.

As we drove, we passed by the park

and I remember him slowing down.

And I looked in the direction that he was looking,

and I remember there was an old man just sitting there and holding,

a doggy toy.

And instantly my dad starts saying I knew it. I told that old man.

And then,

this man throws the toy,

and out of nowhere, boom,

a beautiful,

bouncy,

healthy dog just goes after it.

And I remember my dad saying,

Gift, come. Let's go to him.

We go to the old man,

and I'll never forget what this man said to my dad.

It's actually kind of funny. This pastor reminded me last week.

This old man said to my dad. Themba.

-Don't touch me. -I'm sorry.

He said to my dad, I told you…

that the dog is not dead yet.

Themba, please listen to me carefully.

Themba. Themba.

-Themba. Themba. Themba. Please, boy. -Don't touch me.

Listen carefully.

The dog,

-is not dead, yet.

-Themba, Themba, Themba! -Oh no.

Themba! Themba! Themba! No!

Themba. Please, boy.

-Themba. -Themba, the dog…

-Themba, boy. The dog is not dead yet.

Themba, please.

Listen to me, boy.

The dog,

is not dead yet.

Themba.

The dog,

is not dead yet.

The dog,

-is not dead, yet.

‎

-Where's this boy? Come. -He's right here.

Come, damn it.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Alright, alright.

Alright. Let's form a human shield around him.

Just form a human shield around him.

Okay.

My people.

May I please have a word with you?

You know…

I'd especially like to talk…

to the men.

You know, men, these young boys,

these young boys,

need us

to protect them.

We need to teach them how to become men.

So they can be honorable men. Do you hear me, gents?

And another thing I want to say,

you know what,

our households have got fewer men.

And I'm telling you, gents,

the impact,

-yes the impact,

of an absent father,

it affects a family and the generations to come.

So, gents, let us do better.

Do you hear me? Let us do better.

I know that we're all facing challenges in our families,

but, gentlemen…

know one thing,

I am no different.

But what I want to say,

is that we need to stand on our feet,

and raise these boys to become real men.

Let us help them, gentlemen.

Let us help them manage their anger.

So they can stop

using drugs. Do hear me?

Let us help them to build self-respect.

And to add to that, Bra Mac. Uhm…

fellow South Africans media at large, everyone…

uhm…

Let's help these young men to…

to be better members of society.

Okay?

And let's teach them to be,

to take care of our women.

Right, my boy?

I thank you. I thank you. Let's protect our women.

Please.

The fact that,

you're still alive,

is a blessing.

Some are in prison.

Some are dead.

Some are in hospitals.

There's a better way, my boys.

There's a better way.

I know many have written you all off.

Including your own family members.

-But trust me…

I believe in you.

I have faith in you, my boys.

I know that you're going to succeed.

Your destinies were written a long time ago.

And it was decided a long time ago that,

you are going to succeed. You are going to win.

Show these people.

Show them that you come from a good lineage.

You're intelligent young men.

And you're not just doing it for yourselves.

You're doing it for your ancestors.

The ones that paved the way for you.

And even for generations to come.

It's your life.

Own it, take it, run with it!

And to you, law officials…

I'd like to apologize.

I know maybe you're thinking that,

we're wasting your time,

or that we're wasting the government's resources.

But this matter,

of these young men, to us,

it is a huge crisis.

-Seeing these young men going astray,

and killing themselves,

doesn't sit well with us.

So, I'm really sorry, guys.

And to the community,

I'd like to apologize on behalf of this boy.

Let's forgive him.

He made a mistake.

We all make mistakes.

And, my boy,

in life,

we learn,

from our mistakes. Do you hear me?

We learn

from our mistakes.

To add to that, Bra Mac uh…

-don't make the same mistake twice. -Yeah.

I thank you.

It takes a village to raise a man.

-Yeah. -That's right, sis'.

Here's another thing, my boy.

In life,

you reap what you sow.

So, you have to go and face,

the consequences of your actions.

-Do you hear me, my boy? -Yes.

But just know one thing,

you can live better without going to jail.

Make your life better, my boy.

Change, my boy.

-Do you hear me? -Yes.

But for now,

you have to face the consequences of your actions, my boy.

Be a man.

Let's raise our hands.

I want to speak a blessing over your life, son.

May your neighbors,

‎give your respect…

‎so your problems don't weigh on you.

May God, your ancestors and your angels guide and protect you.

May the heavens accept you one day.

May you have strength,

to urge the sun to rise. When it doesn't,

you rise, son.

Don't be scared, son.

You are not alone. Just look around you.

There's still a chance…

that the dog,

is not dead yet.

Amen. May the Lord guide and protect you.

The dog is not dead yet.

The dog is not dead yet.

The dog is not dead yet.

The dog is not dead yet.

The dog is not dead yet.

The dog is not dead yet.

-The dog is not dead yet.

The dog is not dead yet.

The dog is not dead yet.

The dog is not dead yet.

The dog is not dead yet.

The dog is not dead yet.

-The dog is not dead yet.

The dog is not dead yet.

The dog is not dead yet, son.

The dog is not dead yet.

This is the kind of song, my boy…

that transcends race, nationality, generations.

Where you are right now is beautiful too.

Mshengu. Mshengu. Do you know who you are?

Themba, please forgive me. I'm so sorry.

The dog is not dead yet.

Themba, you're my only hope.

That's why I called you Themba. Even your name says it.

Themba Tshabalala.

Your time has arrived.

It is judgment day here at the Springs Magistrate Court.

You will remember a few weeks ago the accused,

whom we have now identified as Themba Tshabalala,

has been charged guilty,

for drug dealing and kidnapping.

The judge has postponed the matter to

hear both arguments from the defense and the state.

He was both convicted

for both the charges.

We are now standing by to hear all the news, because today,

is judgment day.

All rise.

Okay, we may all be seated, please.

Could we please have Mr. Themba Tshabalala?

-Order.

-Thank you. Order.

Mr. Tshabalala, this court has found you guilty of holding people hostage

and threatening violence.

And of,

aggravating violence.

And after careful consideration,

and listening to arguments from both the defense and state

in mitigation and aggravation,

of the sentence respectively…

I believe that the sentence I'm about to give is appropriate,

to this particular case.

Mr. Tshabalala, could you please stand on your feet.

So, this court is sentencing you,

to 18 months

of community service,

under police supervision

on the condition,

that you

do nothing wrong during this time.

If you violate this sentence

‎in any way then ‎you will be sent to prison for 15 years.

Listen…

young man.

I don't want to ever see you in my court again.

Do you hear me?

This is a slap on the wrist, it's a warning.

You don't get many slaps on the wrist.

I want you to…

pull your life together.

It's hard enough being,

a young Black man in this world.

Don't succumb to peer pressure, it'll pull you down that rabbit hole.

Listen to your mother.

Listen to your village.

They're over there, okay? You owe them that much.

You're young. So, work hard at school. Play hard.

But treat women,

with respect…

and believe

in yourself.

Court is adjourned.

The dog is not dead!

Mr. Pres, you're monied.

-No lie. We are impressed.

-My boy. -Ma Angie.

-It's always good seeing you. -It's so good to see you, it's also even,

better to see this bunny chow of yours.

That's why I'm here.

I'm glad.

Pass my greetings to your mother, okay?

-I will do so. Thank you. -Shall we go, Mr. President?

Yes. Yes.

-This way, Sir. -Thank you, Ma Angie.

-Thank you. -Thank you so much.

-Thank you. -Cheers, guys.

-I'll see you guys. -Bye, Mr. President.

‎Subtitle translation by: Percy Smith