Original subtitles

Stay in line, bastards.

Keep in line, man. Keep in line.

What are you looking at me like that for, you fuck?

What are you looking at? I'll fuck you up!

Move!

You men make sure that's tied down properly, you hear me?

Careful, man!

-Pa, why is it taking so long? -Go back to your mother!

Move your feet, move your feet, come on!

I said, go back!

Sergeant Gregory, Dannie Bosman, your skipper for the crossing.

-Your first time to Robben lsland? -I hear the fishing is excellent.

You'll get bored with that soon enough.

-What prison are you from? -Kroonstad Maximum Security.

Well, Robben lsland is a totally different ball game.

All prisoners below deck and secured, Captain!

Ladies and children, all aboard please!

-Where's your mom? -Busy putting on her lipstick.

We can board now, sweetie.

-How do I look? -You look great.

-As long as I don't get seasick. -It's only an hour.

Will I be able to get my own bedroom, Pa?

Of course, you will.

'Cause I don't want to share with Natasha again.

Who said I want to share with you?

You two stop fighting and behave yourselves.

Remember, first impressions are everything.

Are all the prisoners on the island Black, Pa?

All of them.

But at Kroonstad, they were White.

We don't mix Whites and Blacks, not even in the prisons.

These are not just criminals, Brent, these are terrorists.

But what's the difference?

Terrorists are terrible people.

They want to kill all the Whites and take our land away from us.

Which is why we lock them up on the island.

Sergeant Gregory?

Captain Devett. I'm the personnel officer on the island.

How do you do, Captain? I'm Gloria and these are...

I have a jeep standing by. This way. Your furniture will follow.

One, two.

All aboard, Captain.

This is it.

You can stand down for today, Sergeant.

This evening you're expected to attend an officers' braai

at the OC's residence, missus included. Full dress uniform.

Gloria, I can't find my step-outs!

Ma is visiting next door, Pa.

Why is the toilet outside, Pa?

These houses are old, boet. They were built during the war.

-What war? -Second World War.

-What happens if I need to go at night? -Then you'll go.

But there are bad people out there.

Boy, the only bad people on this island are locked up in jail. Okay?

Okay, Pa.

-James, are you decent? -Ya. Why?

Excuse all the boxes, but you know how it is.

This is my husband, James.

-How do you do? -How do you do?

Sannie's kindly offered to baby-sit for us.

Oh, that's very nice.

Oh, Sannie's husband is head chef here.

So if you ever need anything, eggs, flour, sugar, you know who to ask.

Just don't say where it came from.

-I can't find my step-outs. -Under the bed. I polished them.

-And you, James? What's your posting? -Oh, he doesn't know yet.

We'll probably find out this evening.

You must be something special 'cause the NCOs are never invited

to the Colonel's house, not unless they're in deep trouble.

-Serious? -We don't mix.

The officers here are all bloody snobs.

I've got dinner on the stove.

Give me a shout when you're ready to go, Gloria.

Right. Thanks, Sannie.

Hell, I'm starting to get a bit nervous now.

You get in with the officers and they'll nominate you for a commission.

You have to be a warrant officer first, Gloria.

This is not Worcester, James. This is not Kroonstad.

This is Robben lsland, the number-one prison in the country.

You play your cards right

and, who knows, in five years, you could be at head office in Pretoria.

Dream on.

I think I'm going to give you a quick little haircut before we go.

Oh, Christ, woman, you never stop!

-Come on! -Never!

You don't have to wait to go to the mainland.

I'm a fully qualified hairdresser!

-Really? -And I'm good.

Highlights is what you need, a bit of flair,

then you'll see the heads turning.

Well, are we going to keep you busy, or what?

This is no holiday camp, Sergeant.

You got warders stuck out here for two weeks at a time.

It's a recipe for alcohol abuse, for prostitution...

Prostitution?

We've got married NCOs pimping their wives out

to single warders to supplementing their shitty salaries.

I hope Captain Devett is not painting too bad a picture of us.

-Welcome to the island, Gregory. -It's an honour to be here, sir.

I see our wives are already making friends.

Thank you for inviting us, sir.

There's someone who wants to meet you. Excuse us, Captain.

This is Major Piet Jordaan

-from the Bureau of State Security. -Bye-bye.

I believe you speak the Kaffir languages, Sergeant?

-I speak Xhosa, sir. -Where'd you learn the language?

I grew up on a cattle farm in the Transkei.

When you've got no brothers to play with,

you end up playing with the Kaffirs, sir.

Shall we take a walk, Sergeant?

So, what do you think of the judgement handed down in Mandela's trial?

In my opinion, he should have got the rope, sir.

Then we could have turned him into a martyr.

Perhaps he's more use to us behind bars.

It's a waste of taxpayers' money, is what I say. They all are.

All Blacks?

Certainly the ones who took up arms against us, the communists.

-Mandela denies he's a communist. -Well, they're all liars, aren't they?

You know, in the 1800s, this whole island was a leper colony.

Nothing's really changed then.

How do you feel about heading up the Censorship Office in B Section?

Excuse my ignorance, sir, but what is B Section?

That's where we keep Mandela and all his mates.

I need someone on the inside, someone who speaks their language.

I want to know what they think, how they think.

Anything you find odd in their letters or their visits,

you report directly back to me.

I want you to be my window into their soul, if they have a soul.

Hell, and here I was thinking I was going to spend my first year

working bloody night shifts.

-You can if you want. -No. Please, no, sir.

It would be an honour for me to run the Censorship Office.

I won't let you down.

You let me down, you let your country down.

I would never do such a thing.

Of course not.

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm bloody starving.

Let's go and get something to eat.

-They asleep? -Finally. Too much bloody excitement.

The Colonel's wife, Joyce, is coming over tomorrow for a cut.

She bakes, so she'll pay with a cake.

And Hettie, you know that nice captain's wife?

Her husband dives for crayfish, so that's how she'll pay.

-And that woman with the grey hair... -Gloria.

What?

They're putting me with Mandela and Sisulu and them.

No?

They want me in charge of the Censorship Office.

My God, James! Why didn't you say something?

I wasn't going to blow my trumpet in front of all those bloody officers.

This is big, my boy! Mandela?

Never mind that. I report directly to Pretoria.

This is fantastic! Did they say anything about a promotion?

In due course, I was told.

No more Discipline Warder for me.

From now on, I am in charge of the worst terrorist

this country has ever seen.

Do you know how many bridges he's blown up?

Do you know how many police stations

he and his Umkonto we Sizwe have bombed?

Didn't I say this was going to be our island in the sun?

-Didn't I say that, James? -You sure did, Booky.

Put your backs into it, you lazy Kaffirs!

Stand up, you slack bastards!

Three days half rations for insubordination!

Attention!

I'm your new censorship officer.

If you want to post a letter, you do it through me.

One letter every six months, no longer than 500 words.

No reference to other prisoners, no mention of prison conditions,

and no bloody politics!

If you fail to adhere to these regulations, your letters will not be posted!

If you receive a letter, it comes through me.

Same story, one every six months.

Any mention of politics and that letter will be censored.

Is that clear?

You fuck with me

and I'll make your life a lot more miserable than it already is.

And I'll enjoy doing so!

-Which one is Mandela? -He's in solitary.

Five days for talking in the passage.

Right! Back to work!

Let's see you breaking some rocks!

Last one on the right, it's nice and damp in there.

Hey, you!

I'm talking to you, man! Look at me!

I'll see you, Mandela.

Mrs Mandela. Sergeant Gregory. I'll be monitoring your visit.

-How do you do, Sergeant? -Follow me.

Vosloo, escort Prisoner 466/64 to Booth 3.

Here please.

You speak only in English and only about family matters.

Prisoner ready.

You have 30 minutes, starting now.

-How are you, Madiba? -Compose yourself.

We don't have much time.

How are our daughters?

They can't sleep at night,

terrified the security will come and bash down our door.

That is political, Mrs Mandela.

It is not! It is about our family!

There is too much harassment from all sides, all the time.

It is upsetting the girls.

George Bizos suggests we send them to a boarding school in Swaziland.

They'll come home on holidays.

Will you cope being alone?

When I married you, I knew I was marrying the struggle.

Have you heard from Evelyn?

She has a job at the mines, typing. Thembi came to visit.

-How is my son? -He is a man now.

He has his driver's licence and his own car.

Tell him I am allowed another visit in six months' time.

He has to put in an application.

I will tell him.

How are our friends in Lusaka?

Oliver has been appointed President General of the ANC.

English only!

Tell Oliver that all of us in here agree he should escalate the armed struggle.

The people must make this country ungovernable.

That's it. Vosloo, this visit is terminated!

-This way please. -No, please!

-We were talking about family matters! -Do you think I'm stupid?

Vosloo, escort the prisoner back to his cell. Follow me.

On your feet, Mandela! Move!

Gregory!

-That was quick. -They started talking in Xhosa.

About what?

Mandela told her to instruct Oliver Tambo

to escalate the armed struggle,

said they must make the country ungovernable.

Anything else?

Family stuff. Kids going off to boarding school, that sort of thing.

When Winnie gets back to Joburg, she's going to be detained indefinitely.

It's going to be front page news. I'll send you a clipping.

Make sure Mandela gets it.

No problem.

Oh, one small thing.

She mentioned his son, Thembi, the one from his first marriage,

he's got his driver's licence, even has his own car.

-He probably stole the bloody thing. -Right.

-Hello sweetie! -Ladies!

-How was your day? -Good, where are the kids?

Switch on the kettle, won't you, make us all a nice cup of tea?

-What do you think, James? -About what?

-Her hair! -Oh! It's nice.

Nice? Please, it's stunning!

Wait till Jan sees it, you're in for a busy night, my girl.

I believe Mama Africa paid us a visit today, James?

You girls seem to know everything.

Nothing happens on this island without me finding out about it,

usually before it happens.

-So, what's she like? -She was only there five minutes.

They started talking Xhosa, so I sent her packing.

-James speaks fluent Xhosa. -Really?

He grew up with them, on a farm.

He had a friend called... What was his name?

Man! Who cares?

-No, man, tell us. -Please tell us, James.

Bafana.

James has got a photo of the two of them. I'll get it.

Gloria. No. Gloria!

-No, l... I want to see it. -Me, too!

I didn't know you were a farm boy, James.

I'm not a farm boy.

Here it is. Look.

-Oh, cute, look at the little Kaffir-lover. -I'm not a Kaffir-lover.

Joyce.

He's even got his arm around the little nigger.

-That's it! -Looks like a Kaffir-lover to me!

I'm going fishing. Brent, get your rod!

-Look, Pa, a starfish! -That's nice, Natasha.

-Pa! I've got one! -Hey, bring him through the rocks there.

Nice and slow, that's it!

Hey, don't look at me, man.

Don't look at me. I'm not your bloody mother, man.

-Brent, give me that rod. Come here! -Move it! Bastard!

Natasha, come here, girl! Stay down! Stay there!

-But Pa, what about my fish? -Never mind your fish.

-Faster, faster, faster! -Come, come, come!

Are you trying to piss me off?

-Brent, get down, boy! -But, Pa...

Move it, you lazy bastards.

All right, we can go back now. Come on. Okay?

Move it! Don't look at me! Yes, yes.

But what about my fish?

I'm sorry, boy, but if those warders had seen you, I would be in big trouble.

Why?

Prisoners aren't allowed to see children.

Why not?

'Cause they're here for punishment. Okay?

This is from Motsadi's wife.

"We have decided to boycott the bus service

"as they have increased the fare by 80 cents."

Cut it out.

The following, please collect your letters. Sisulu!

Mhlaba!

Kathadra!

Hurry up, do you think I've got all day?

Motsadi. Jonas Motsadi! Where is Motsadi?

-The rest of you are dismissed. -Mr Gregory.

I found this in my cell.

According to regulations,

no prisoner may be in possession of any newspaper, or part thereof.

Therefore, I am handing it over to you, the proper authority.

I am surprised that you did not look at the article, Mr Gregory.

Come on, come on!

That's it. Yes, go Robben lsland!

Yes!

Yes! Yes!

Yeah!

-Wow, Daddy! -Yes!

-He's really got something, eh, darling? -Very good.

Gregory! For a postman, you play a damn good game of rugby.

-To Robben lsland. -To Robben lsland!

I think it's time I had a word with Piet about James.

He's officer material, there's no question about it.

Oh, Joyce, I'll do your hair for free for the rest of your life.

Then I'm definitely going to talk with Piet!

Are you off to Cape Town for the weekend?

Yeah, my mom has been dying to see the kids. It's been ages.

Then I'm going to give you a little shopping list

with a good mayonnaise at the top. I can't stand this prison-issue stuff.

Come here.

-Granny! -Granny!

Hello, my darlings!

These are for you, I found them on the beach.

Oh, they're beautiful.

-Hi, Mom. -Hi.

-How was the ferry? -Oh, fine.

-The sea was flat for a change. -Oh, good.

Got you some fresh crayfish, Barbara.

Oh, never mind fresh, they're alive!

Oh, seeing as you didn't get seasick, we can go shopping now.

Nelson Mandela? That's awful!

Ya, it's a big responsibility.

James gets to check their mail and monitors all their visits.

That's restricted information, Gloria.

For goodness sake, Mom's not going to tell anyone.

Gloria, come help me choose some salad stuff quickly.

I'll wait outside with the kids. Come here.

The two of you, stand still. Stand still.

Where is your passport? Let me see your passports.

Where is your pass? Your pass!

Here, your pass. Come, come, come.

What's going on, Pa?

-Passports. Where is your pass? -They're checking for passes.

-Come back here. Where's your pass? -No! No!

Hey, come back, come back.

-Hey! -Hey!

Get in the van!

Where is your pass?

My baby!

-You can't just leave the baby here! -Shut up!

I'll take him. He's my daughter's child.

It's all right. It's all right, it's all right, it's all right.

Maybe you should go and talk to her.

Another minute and these will be done, okay?

Feeling better?

Dinner's almost ready.

-Why didn't you stop that policeman? -Because that's his job.

To take the mommy away from her baby?

No. But if the mommy doesn't have a pass,

then she's not allowed to be there, so they have to arrest her.

Do we have a pass?

We don't need one.

-Why not? -Because we're White.

-But is that fair, Pa? -It's apartheid.

It's the way we live, Natasha,

Whites on one side, Blacks on the other.

It's God's way, darling.

Just like he doesn't put a sparrow with a swallow,

or a goose with a duck, or a cow with a buck.

It's just not natural. And we don't question God.

-Switchboard. -Pretoria 39001.

-Jordaan. -Gregory here.

A telegram just arrived for Mandela.

I know. The boy smashed head-on into a bridge.

Was it...

What?

-You know. Was it an accident? -Of course.

-You'll tell him personally, won't you? -Yeah.

Let me know his reaction.

What's up?

Mandela's oldest son was killed in a car crash.

Good riddance.

Do you have kids?

Hey, work, you Kaffir!

Hey, do you want two days solitary?

Who the fuck is Madiba?

-Madiba, it's Mandela's clan name. -Clan?

Go tell him.

Mandela, I'm sorry.

Hey, work, Kaffir!

Hey, what are you trying to do, man? Get back to work, man!

-Van Niekerk! Can I have a word? -What?

Regulation 1 6/A of the Prison Act states

that if a prisoner loses a family member,

they are entitled to two days off work on compassionate grounds.

-Compassionate grounds? -Hey!

Mandela's a lawyer, he knows these things.

You don't want him laying a charge against you, do you?

I can escort him back to his cell, if you like.

Earlier today, South African forces intercepted a large group

of SWAPO insurgents in South-West Africa,

-killing 12 terrorists... -Would you like some more?

-...and arresting five. -Yes please.

-There were no reports of casualties... -Thank you.

...on the South African side. Dr Christian...

Your food's getting cold.

-What if it was murder? -Not in front of the children.

James.

They'd never do such a thing.

I called the police in the Transkei. I spoke to the duty officer.

The more questions I asked, the more he clammed up.

Eventually he hung up on me.

-That doesn't mean anything... -Can I serve the jelly, Ma?

Go ahead, darling.

I was the one who told Jordaan

that Thembi had a licence, that he had a car.

You're doing your job. This country is at war, James.

These people are savages.

They don't want to share this country with us. They hate us.

If they had their way, they'd drive every single white person into the sea.

They'd leave us with nothing! Not even the clothes on our back.

Yeah, I know.

Come and have pudding.

All right, you win this time.

There won't be a next time.

I'll come back and visit. I promise I will, Bafana.

My father says you are going too far to ever return.

I have to go.

This will protect you the rest of your days.

I will wear this forever.

-I see you, Madiba. -I see you, Mr Gregory.

I want you to know that I am very sorry about the death of your son.

Many times I tried to explain to my son why I was always away from home,

that I fight for a better world, for my people and my family.

I'm not sure he ever understood.

Where did you learn to speak Xhosa, Mr Gregory?

I grew up near where you were born.

Then you understand. I need to bury my son.

-You know they will never allow it. -I am an honourable man.

I give you my word I will not try to escape.

It's not you.

It's your communist friends. What if they try to rescue you?

What communist friends are you referring to, Mr Gregory?

The whole of the bloody African National Congress.

Obviously, you have not read the Freedom Charter.

-I have. -You have not. It is a banned document.

Where would a sergeant in the Prison Services

get his hands on such a document?

Well, I know about it.

Then you would know that all we want is equal rights for all,

a world where people like you and l can live peacefully side by side.

That is what I wanted for my child.

Surely you want the same for your children?

I wish to be alone now.

Motsadi, Mandela must eat.

When our leader is ready to eat, he will eat.

You can tell him his son was buried yesterday,

that the boy's mother was at the funeral.

-Have you read the Freedom Charter? -What?

The Freedom Charter. Have you read it?

-No. -Do you know what it's about?

It's about the extermination of the Whites.

-Stuff like that, isn't it? -How must I know?

Pa, can we go watch Province play against Natal on Saturday?

-Maybe. -Yes!

I just need to quickly pop into Roeland Street Prison.

-But my mom's got lunch waiting for us. -You go ahead. I'll be on the next train.

But Roeland Street is not...

Go, kids! Go.

Excuse me, I understand there's a section here

containing banned literature.

-Downstairs. -Thank you.

-Yes? -I'm with the Prison Services.

I'd like to take a look at the Freedom Charter.

Wait here.

-You got an authorisation? -What?

This is a restricted area. You need authorisation to be here.

Sergeant Gregory. I'm a warder at Robben lsland Prison.

So? You need authorisation from the security police

if you want to look at banned material.

Listen here, Major Jordaan of the Bureau of State Security

personally instructed me to take a look at the Freedom Charter.

Call him. It's Pretoria 39001.

Give him what he wants.

Sit there.

You'll find it in there.

Thank you.

"We, the people of South Africa,

"declare for all our country and the world to know

"that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, Black and White,

"and that no government can justly claim authority

"unless it is based on the will of the... "

-What are you doing here, James? -What are you doing here?

I can't believe you did that. How can you lie to me?

Gloria, I am working with them, I need to know how they tick.

I'll tell you how they tick, James.

They tick like a time-bomb. And then they blow up, boom!

Sit up straight.

Afternoon.

Can you imagine what would happen if Piet found out about this?

You could kiss your promotion goodbye, that's for sure.

Please, man! What promotion?

I promised Joyce I wouldn't say anything.

About what?

Come on, Gloria, you can't keep a secret.

Piet put a recommendation into Pretoria

that you be promoted to warrant officer.

He even told Joyce if you carry on the way you are,

you'll be lieutenant at the end of the year.

Oh, that's very nice.

Not if you throw it all away by doing something stupid.

I'm not going to do anything stupid.

With the salary you get and the little I make,

we can't even afford to buy the kids new school shoes.

Come on, Gloria.

Come on, it's not that bad, Gloria.

James, the Prison Service is all we've got.

Christ, they even own the house we live in.

I'm not going to mess things up. Okay?

Look at me. Okay?

Plumstead is up next.

I don't want your mom seeing you like this.

-Hey, man, how was your weekend? -Good.

Did you go and watch the Province match?

No, but they nailed them good, eh?

Are you looking at me? Don't you look at me. Move it!

Come, come, come!

You slack bastards! Move it!

Hurry up, hurry up!

-The post will have arrived by now. -Not with this South-Easter blowing.

That ferry will be an hour late, at least.

Go check anyway.

"The national wealth of our country, the heritage of the South Africans,

"shall be restored to the people.

"The mineral wealth, the banks, industry shall be transferred... "

The ferry hasn't even left Cape T own harbour.

-Must be bloody rough out there. -You can say that again.

Mandela, I have a question for you.

You claim the ANC is not communist, but the Freedom Charter says

that the mineral wealth, the banks and industry

shall be transferred to the people.

That is communism and don't try to bullshit me otherwise.

It is not. It is, in fact, true nationalism,

where all the people, White, Black, coloured, lndian,

all benefit from the accumulated wealth of the land. Our land.

And your land, Mr Gregory.

-These are ideals you'd kill for? -These are ideals I would die for.

There's no justification for murder and you know it.

You people should never have taken up arms against us.

You White people were deaf to our pleas, blind to our suffering.

You left us no choice but to take up arms.

-Sergeant! -Sir!

What are you doing cavorting with a prisoner?

I was just telling Mandela his lawyer is coming on Monday

for a consultation, sir.

-Get your arse up here! -On my way, sir!

Raise your arms.

-Sir, I can... -Raise your bloody arms, Sergeant!

Congratulations, Warrant Officer. I'll see you in the clubhouse.

Thank you, sir!

For he's a jolly good fellow for he's a jolly good fellow

for he's a jolly good fellow

And so say all of us

T o James!

And may his promotion not go to his head

and cause us a lot of heartache! Cheers, James.

Warrant Officer Gregory, may I have the pleasure of dancing with you?

Didn't I say this would happen? Didn't l?

You sure did, Booky.

What are you gonna do about it?

-Switchboard. -Pretoria 39001.

Jordaan.

I've got a postcard here for Jonas Motsadi.

Motsadi? Motsadi?

-lsn't he due for release next week? -Yes.

There's a message written inside it in Xhosa.

What does it say?

It says he must go to an ANC safe house in Gaborone

and from there, he'll receive instructions.

Is there an address?

36 Moroka Street, Gaborone, Botswana.

Put the message back just how you found it

and make sure that Jonas Motsadi gets his little postcard.

...of local cricket supporters.

Included in the team are such esteemed players

as Bob Willis, Tony Drake...

-Watch your queen. -...and Trevor Chapel.

In the early hours of this morning,

the South African Defence Force launched a pre-emptive strike

on a known ANC safe house in Gaborone, Botswana,

killing four terrorists.

One of the men, Jonas Motsadi,

was recently released from Robben Island Prison

where he was seRVing five years for sabotage.

That's us, Pa! Robben lsland!

-Did you know him? - The weather forecast

for the Western Cape tomorrow is cloudy with occasional fog patches,

clearing later with moderate to fresh westerly winds...

It's your move, Pa.

Go, move it! Yes, yes, yes!

Faster. Go, go, go.

-Are you sure my wife is on the ferry? -I called ahead.

-lt will be Christmas soon. -My kids are already counting the days.

How are they doing in school here?

My son struggles a bit but my daughter is sharp as nails.

You must encourage them to do well in school

so they can go to university and make something of their lives.

University is expensive, man.

Although you bloody people think it should be

"free, compulsory, universal and equal for all children," isn't it?

That is a direct quote from the Freedom Charter.

I am most impressed, Mr Gregory.

Mr Gregory, I have a favour to ask.

I have a small Christmas present for Winnie

and I was hoping you could give it to her.

No, man, Mandela. Now you're going too far.

It's just a small chocolate.

Where the hell did you get a chocolate from?

That is of no consequence.

I could have you in solitary right this bloody minute!

I have not seen my wife for two years.

For God's sake, man, where is your humanity?

Where is it?

Drop it and walk on.

-I'll escort Mrs Mandela from here. -My orders are to remain with her.

I am in charge of visits on this island

and you will remain on this bloody ferry until it leaves! Please.

I see you, Madiba.

What have they done to you, Namzamu?

They dragged me from our daughters. They beat me.

English only!

Please, Mrs Mandela, you have very little time, don't waste it.

Mr Gregory is right.

From Nelson. He says it's your Christmas present.

Have a safe journey, Mrs Mandela.

Warrant Officer!

You recognise this?

That's Govan Mbeki's writing.

It was intercepted by Security Branch

at the Soweto post office.

Since when are prisoners allowed to discuss other prisoners in their letters?

I would never have allowed this through, sir.

Vosloo must have missed it.

You're in charge of the Censor Office, not Vosloo.

-Make sure this doesn't happen again. -Yes, sir.

-Nice work with Jonas Motsadi. -Thank you, sir.

-Warrant Officer Gregory. -Gregory, get your arse over here!

I'm on my way, sir.

Enter!

Enter!

What is the meaning of this?

What is the meaning of this?

Says here they sat under a tree, ate bread and cheese

Says here they sat under a tree, ate bread and cheese

and finished it up with a dessert of chocolate!

and finished it up with a dessert of chocolate!

You know the media, they always exaggerate.

You know the media, they always exaggerate.

Are you telling me there's some truth in this?

Are you telling me there's some truth in this?

Mandela gave me a little chocolate to give to Winnie.

Mandela gave me a little chocolate to give to Winnie.

-That's all that happened, sir. -A little chocolate?

-That's all that happened, sir. -A little chocolate?

-That was a Christmas present. -Are you completely mad?

-That was a Christmas present. -Are you completely mad?

We are trying to demoralise this terrorist,

We are trying to demoralise this terrorist,

trying to isolate him from his family, and here you are playing Santa Claus.

trying to isolate him from his family, and here you are playing Santa Claus.

How do you know there wasn't a message in that chocolate?

How do you know there wasn't a message in that chocolate?

I checked it before I gave it to her.

I checked it before I gave it to her.

-And if it had been poisoned? -Nelson would never do such a thing.

-And if it had been poisoned? -Nelson would never do such a thing.

Since when was he "Nelson"?

Since when was he "Nelson"?

Next thing you'll be wiping his fucking arse!

Next thing you'll be wiping his fucking arse!

I apologise, sir. It was my mistake.

I apologise, sir. It was my mistake.

Let me tell you how you are going to pay for this.

Let me tell you how you are going to pay for this.

For the next four months,

For the next four months,

you will spend every off weekend doing night duty in B Section.

you will spend every off weekend doing night duty in B Section.

Are you happy with this

Are you happy with this

or would you rather I stripped you of your rank, Warrant Officer?

or would you rather I stripped you of your rank, Warrant Officer?

-I'm happy with night duty, sir. -Get out of here.

-I'm happy with night duty, sir. -Get out of here.

-Yes? -Colonel, the Minister of Prisons...

-Yes? -Colonel, the Minister of Prisons...

James Gregory, you swine!

James Gregory, you swine!

Do you know what trouble you've caused?

Do you know what trouble you've caused?

-Sorry? -They should be transferring you

-Sorry? -They should be transferring you

off the island! Not us!

off the island! Not us!

-What's going on? -Pretoria just called.

-What's going on? -Pretoria just called.

They told Piet to pack his bags. They're transferring us to Barberton!

They told Piet to pack his bags. They're transferring us to Barberton!

Do you know how hot it is in Barberton?

Do you know how hot it is in Barberton?

I don't understand.

I don't understand.

They said that Piet is running a holiday camp here instead of a prison.

They said that Piet is running a holiday camp here instead of a prison.

And all because of you, James Gregory!

And all because of you, James Gregory!

Joyce, don't shout like that at James.

Joyce, don't shout like that at James.

If you've got something to say, come inside.

If you've got something to say, come inside.

Oh, I will not step foot inside that house!

Oh, I will not step foot inside that house!

After everything we've done for you!

After everything we've done for you!

What on earth was that all about?

What on earth was that all about?

I gave Winnie Mandela a chocolate

I gave Winnie Mandela a chocolate

-from Nelson. -James!

-from Nelson. -James!

I don't know what all the fuss is about.

I don't know what all the fuss is about.

Well, we can forget about you making lieutenant now.

Well, we can forget about you making lieutenant now.

Maybe there are more important things to think about than making lieutenant!

Maybe there are more important things to think about than making lieutenant!

Do you have a home to go to, Sannie?

Do you have a home to go to, Sannie?

My name is Stander.

My name is Stander.

And you will remember my name until the day you die.

And you will remember my name until the day you die.

Most of you bastards joined the Prison Service

Most of you bastards joined the Prison Service

because you were too cowardly to join the police or the army.

because you were too cowardly to join the police or the army.

The army that is right now defending our borders

The army that is right now defending our borders

against the communist masses trying to infiltrate our beloved fatherland.

against the communist masses trying to infiltrate our beloved fatherland.

And the police, who are fighting in the townships

And the police, who are fighting in the townships

so that your wives and mothers and daughters and sisters

so that your wives and mothers and daughters and sisters

can sleep safely in their beds at night and not get raped by fucking Kaffirs

can sleep safely in their beds at night and not get raped by fucking Kaffirs

while you sit comfortably on your arses on Paradise fucking lsland.

while you sit comfortably on your arses on Paradise fucking lsland.

Well, that all changes as from today.

Well, that all changes as from today.

Because this island is now my island.

Because this island is now my island.

And the war will be fought on my island the same way that it is fought

And the war will be fought on my island the same way that it is fought

against SWAPO on the borders

against SWAPO on the borders

and the ANC and the PAC in the townships.

and the ANC and the PAC in the townships.

Your enemy is behind these walls.

Your enemy is behind these walls.

And you are at war with them.

-ls that clear? -Yes, sir.

-ls that fucking clear? -Yes, sir!

Move you, Kaffir dogs! Stand in line!

Move it! Come on!

Welcome to hell, you heathen bastards!

We are freedom fighters, we are not heathens.

Come on! Move it!

Thank you, Boytjie.

I don't want that animal bleeding in my prison.

Chain him to the flagpole so he remembers forever

what flag flies above this land.

Strip search.

A beer, please.

How you doing, Dannie?

Not bad.

So they're finally gonna let us have television

twenty years after the rest of the world.

Suit yourself, Dannie.

Yes, two triple brandies please.

Is this him?

You don't have a chocolate for me, too, do you?

-Very funny. -So tell us about Mandela.

What does he write in those letters to his fat, black bitch wife?

I'm trying to have a quiet drink here.

Come on, Gregory, tell us, man.

Van Niekerk, do you have any idea why the prisoners call you Mbukane?

I don't speak Kaffir so how would I know?

Let me tell you.

It means one of those great big green flies that feasts on human shit.

-Really? -Really.

So tell me, is it true what they say about Gloria, your wife?

What?

That at night you take her up to the prison,

so your darkie friends can snack on some white pussy.

Fucking Kaffir-lover!

That's enough. That's enough.

James, James!

-Go home to Gloria, James. -His coat.

-Jesus! What happened to you? -Nothing.

I fell off my bike. It's the rain.

I'll get some ice.

Lynette's having a tea party tomorrow

to welcome Colonel Stander's wife to the island.

That's very nice.

I haven't been invited.

She... She probably forgot to call you.

According to Ann, Lynette doesn't want Kaffir-lover wives at the party.

-Fuck them. All of them. -Don't swear like that.

-What can I say? -Not a lot, James.

Even the officers' wives have stopped coming to have their hair done.

I'm sorry, Gloria.

How could you let things get to this point, James?

I think if you met Mandela, you'd understand better.

I heard of a really nice small prison

near East London called Fort Glamorgan.

They say it's very pretty on the East Coast.

You want me to put in for a transfer?

How would you feel about that?

I'd love to get off this island. The sooner the bloody better.

I was hoping you'd say that.

And I thought you wanted to stay.

So much for our island in the sun.

Your man on the inside, does he know why we are coming?

Not yet. I keep him in the dark most of the time.

Do you think Mandela will go for it?

My opinion? No.

Then why in God's name are we doing this?

Public relations.

You've got a visitor.

This is Mr Kruger, the Minister of Prisons.

So how are you enjoying living on this island, Mandela?

Our cells are damp, the food is not fit for human consumption,

we are treated worse than common criminals.

And you ask me, how am I enjoying it?

I have a proposition for you that could change all that.

What? One man, one vote? Free and fair elections for all?

If you and the African National Congress

agree to discontinue the armed struggle,

you can leave this island.

We'll let you and your family go live in Transkei.

Then I would rather remain here on this island.

Then you are more stupid than I even thought you were.

-We're finished here, Major. -Major!

I put in for a transfer to Glamorgan

but it was turned down by someone in Pretoria.

-Yeah, I turned it down. -Why?

Have you got a problem with the job here?

The school here only goes up to Standard Five.

-My son goes to high school next year. -Well, send him to boarding school.

I was at boarding school and no son of mine will ever go to a boarding school.

We need you here, Gregory. These are difficult times.

-You must put your country first. -My family comes first.

I put in another application. If it's rejected again, I'll resign.

You're gonna throw away your pension? Don't be stupid, man.

I'm telling you now, I will resign.

Nobody wants an ex-prison warder.

You resign, you'll be out on the street. Then where will your family be?

You think about that.

Hey darling.

Rejected again.

We'll manage, James. We can stay with my mom.

I'll find a job at a salon. We'll get by.

It's not just our future that worries me.

Every time I switch on the radio all I hear

is another riot, another car bomb,

another suspect who's been "jumped" out of the window by the police,

another landmine.

This is the country our kids are growing up in, Gloria.

God help us.

Colonel? My letter of resignation. I'm giving you two week's notice.

-I don't have a problem with this. -I didn't expect you to.

But Pretoria might have a problem with it.

Well, fuck Pretoria.

Gregory! Haven't you forgotten something?

-What? -You salute an officer.

What are you gonna do? Fire me?

Good morning, Mrs Gregory. Is James in?

Wait here.

What are you doing here?

To be honest, I didn't think you'd call my bluff.

Really?

I have an offer for you. Let's call it a compromise.

We both want something from each other.

You wanna get off the island

and I want you to keep working with Mandela and them.

You understand them and you speak their language.

Get to the point.

I can arrange for all the mail from B Section

to be routed through Roeland Street Prison.

You can do everything from there without ever setting foot on the island.

-What about visits? -Vosloo can handle them.

Accommodation?

It so happens that the Prison Service has a house standing vacant

in Plumstead, quite near to where your mother lives, Mrs Gregory.

You've thought of everything.

This is a one-time offer. I want an answer now. Yes or no?

Give us a minute.

What do you think?

I think you just won a major battle for the Gregory family.

Gregory!

You've been rather quiet lately.

There's been nothing to report.

What, they're finally behaving themselves?

-You got time for a beer? -Gloria will be expecting me.

Come on, just a quick one.

So, I believe your son is following in your footsteps.

Not for long. He's just started his first year at university,

totally through correspondence.

Once he gets his degree he'll be out of the Prison Services in a flash.

A warder's son at university, that's a turn-up for the books.

He's got Mandela to thank for that.

"Make sure your children go to university, Mr Gregory.

"South Africa needs well-educated young people.

"They will be our future leaders."

-How is he? -He always asks after you.

Yeah, he's getting on a bit. But then, I suppose we all are.

What do you think of this "Free Mandela" campaign?

That's the least of our worries.

The big problem is international sanctions.

It's crippling us economically.

Yeah, you know something's wrong when petrol costs more than beer.

Why? Do you think we should let him out?

Are you mad? With Botha in power it'll never happen.

Yeah, I suppose you're right, hey.

-Well, thanks for the beer. -My pleasure.

I'll see you around, Major.

-Becker. -Yeah, I think we can trust Gregory.

-You're ready? -Yeah.

See you tomorrow. Bye, sweetie. See you tomorrow.

-Bye-bye. -Okay. Bye.

-Hey sweetie, how was your day? -Same. Yours?

Brent, you should be studying, not working on that stupid car.

Didn't I say it was the plugs, Pa?

Check in the shed for new ones.

-Pa, there's a call for you! -I'll be right there.

-Hello. -Brigadier Morkel, James,

-we need you at Pollsmoor tonight. -Tonight?

Yes, it's very important. Make sure to be there at 20:00.

I understand, Brigadier. I'll be there.

-Do I smell curry? -It's just a chicken curry.

-How did the exam go? -Not bad.

-Not bad, or good? -Good.

-Would you like a G , just a little one.

You go wash your hands before dinner.

Authorities believe that ANC terrorists

were responsible for the blasts.

According to the report, there were no casualties,

and damage to the facility was superficial.

And now for a look at tomorrow's weather.

That was Brigadier Morkel.

I have to report to Pollsmoor at 20:00.

What for?

He wouldn't say.

-ls it Mandela? -Can't be, not if it's Pollsmoor.

-Evening. -Turn left at the first road.

-Captain. -Gregory? Follow me.

Good evening, James.

Sorry to spring this on you at such short notice.

-This is General... -General Vorster.

Of the National lntelligence Service.

Previously known as the Bureau of State Security.

Things in this country seem to be changing so quickly

it almost astounds me.

I don't understand.

Tomorrow we'll be transferring you here

to take charge of Mandela and four of his fellow prisoners.

You'll be working with Brigadier Morkel, directly under my command.

Yes?

They've just passed through the main gate.

We're going to be easing up restrictions on visits,

mail, study time, newspapers, the lot.

Sir, I have a home in Plumstead. My wife has a job there.

My daughter is busy with matric. I can't just...

You've got nothing to worry about, James.

We have lots of accommodation for you here and your family.

-Everything is sorted. -Why me?

You were the only warden from Robben lsland

they never laid a charge against.

Not that that's a recommendation in my book.

Go that way.

It's been a long time, Nelson.

Where are we, Mister Gregory?

At Pollsmoor Maximum Security.

-Oh, you still up? -Yeah, Villages is on.

What's happening? You want some tea?

I was gonna ask you the same question.

-Or would you prefer coffee? -James!

-What? -What happened at Pollsmoor?

-You won't believe it. -Maybe if you tell me, I will.

They've moved Mandela and four of his comrades there.

I want tea, not coffee.

After 1 8 years on that bloody island.

So what did they need you there for?

-They wanna transfer me. -Not again!

You'll be in the bloody car three hours a day!

They want me on 24-hour notice at the prison.

They've asked me to head up the Mandela Detail. Brent will be in it.

There'll be a whole new unit, under my command.

You can't decide something like this without discussing it with me first.

-They gave me no option. -Who's they?

General Vorster, National lntelligence.

What about Natasha? Did you think of her?

She can take the train. The train is a great place for her to study.

Gives her lots of time.

-Why did they move him? -Because they're scared.

Can you imagine what would happen if he died on that island?

There would be a bloodbath.

-He could easily die in Pollsmoor. -I don't know.

Maybe they're ready to start negotiating.

Don't be naive. You don't negotiate with terrorists.

What? You think this can go on?

The country is going up in flames, man. They bombed Koeberg yesterday.

Next thing they'll blow up Parliament.

Then they'll start blowing up the schools, the railway stations...

Oh, but you think it's all right for Natasha to catch the train every day?

Jesus, James.

Listen to me.

These last five years have probably been the most boring of my life.

I go to that little office in Roeland Street and I open letters and I read them.

Then I fold them and put them back and send them off.

I need a change. These could be extraordinary times.

I don't want to look back on my life and say I stood on the sidelines.

This could be history in the making, and I want to be a part of it.

-lt better be a house with a garden. -Thank you.

-Chris, where does this lead? -lt connects D Section with E.

-Secure it, I want it sealed off. -I'll see to it.

Why is this man alone?

From now on we work in pairs, two guards on each post.

Yes, sir.

Good morning, gentlemen.

Mr Gregory, we are still waiting for an explanation.

-All I hear are rumours. -Rumours? What rumours?

They say you had too much influence over the other prisoners on the island.

This is my son Brent. He'll be assisting me.

-All in order? -Yes, sir!

Chris?

-How far away is that mountain? -About two miles.

Is it State-owned or private?

I think it belongs to the National Parks Board.

Find out.

How is it, Raymond?

-What's all this stuff doing outside? -I'm putting it in storage.

How are you going to cut hair without your table?

I've had a sign up outside for a week and not one person has come.

They go to the mall for that kind of thing.

Besides, this place is too small.

-You can hardly move in here. -It's a roof over our heads, Gloria.

You call this a roof?

I can hear the people bonking next door.

Where's Natasha?

She's sick of spending half the day on the train.

She's going to stay over at my mom and visit on weekends.

Help me with the TV. I want it in the corner.

Wait, mind your back.

Brent met Mandela for the first time this morning.

And?

Yeah, I know, he said it was like meeting an old uncle.

Police and units of the South African Defence Force have been deployed

in Soweto to quell widespread violence and unrest sparked by demonstrators

calling for the unconditional release of Nelson Mandela.

The spokesperson for the South African Police force said,

"Many arrests have been made

"and the situation had been brought under control. "

Switch it off.

For your tomato plants.

Thank you, Mr Gregory.

-And how are you, Brent? -I'm fine, Mr Mandela.

It's good.

Show me what you're made of, Mister Gregory.

Defend your self for I am a young ox.

You are talking to a bull.

-Pa, what are you doing? -Stand back, Brent. Stay clear.

Come on, Warrant Officer!

It seems you know more than just our language, Mr Gregory.

Pa, where'd you learn that, Pa?

You should put some ice on it.

It's not right. Most of these people were civilians.

Ordinary people going about their daily business.

That's it, have a good look, man. Have a good look!

For goodness sake. Hey man, hey man.

In 1976, when the police opened fire on Soweto school children,

how many were left dead in the streets?

Thousands and thousands.

Huh, what about those injured?

And now you want to cry about 1 7 people?

What is that, hey, get lost man!

Wait. You knew me in '76, Raymond.

Did I celebrate the death of those children

with the rest of the wardens on Robben lsland? Did l?

I was horrified by it. Horrified.

This is also wrong.

You can stop this. You can put an end to this violence.

How?

Tell your people in Lusaka to end the armed struggle.

Mr Gregory, do you honestly think that

if we laid down arms today

the apartheid regime would cease their acts of violence against our people?

Man, it's a vicious circle.

I have waited 20 years

for your people to come and talk to me about peace.

But they are not interested in peace. They are only interested in power.

So are you.

When those in power deny your freedom,

the only path to freedom is power.

Switch on the TV, Pa. Botha's giving a speech.

-Where's your Ma? -She took the car.

She's got an interview at a new salon opening up in Cape Town.

She says she can't sit around waiting for her life to restart.

Good for her.

...by people who put pressure on South Africa

from outside and from within.

I stated in Parliament that if Mr Mandela

gives a commitment that he will not make himself guilty of planning...

-This guy can talk a lot of shit, huh, Pa? -They're all the same.

...political objectives, I will in principle be prepared

to consider his release.

The choice is his.

All that is required of him now is that he should unconditionally reject

violence as a political instrument.

This is, after all, a norm

which is respected in all civilised countries of the world.

The presumption being that South Africa is civilised.

Here, James. This... No, sit down.

This just came from Pretoria.

Would you believe it?

You know, I think it's just some public relations gesture.

That won't be necessary.

Where are we going, Mr Gregory?

You are meeting your family in the room where you normally meet your lawyer.

I do not understand.

There'll be no more glass between you and your visitors.

I will be able to touch?

Yes.

Mr Gregory, I have not touched my wife in 21 years.

You'll be fine, Nelson.

My father says,

"What freedom am I being offered

"while the organisation of the people remain banned.

"What freedom am I being offered

"when I may be arrested on a pass offence?

"What freedom am I being offered to live my life as a family

"with my dear wife who remains in banishment in Brandfort?

"What freedom am I being offered... "

-She speaks very well. -Not quite your regular terrorist, eh?

"What freedom am I being offered

"when I need a stamp on my pass to seek work?

"What freedom am I being offered

"when my very South African citizenship is not respected?

"Only free men can negotiate.

"Prisoners cannot enter into contracts. "

My father says, "I cannot and will not give any undertaking at a time

"when you, the people, and I, are not free.

"Your freedom and mine cannot be separated.

"I will return!"

Power to the people!

Warrant Officer Gregory, my name is Groenewald.

I'd like you to consider me for the Mandela Detail.

I'll get Personnel to send your file over.

My wife's nephew lost his legs in the Pretoria car bomb.

It would be my pleasure to return this kindness to Mandela.

-You must be joking? -I'm not joking.

I promise you, I'm not joking.

Gloria?

James? Oh, James, where've you been?

We had to isolate Mandela from the others. What's wrong?

A man phoned, he said they were gonna kill Brent and Natasha.

He said we're Kaffir-lovers and we're all going to die.

Did... Did you recognise his voice?

No, he said... He said I was a fucking bitch!

He said I was dead.

-It's all right, it's okay. -It's not okay, James. It's not okay.

They want to kill my babies.

Nothing is gonna happen to you or our family. Okay?

-Brigadier Morkel, now. -James?

Brig, listen, somebody phoned Gloria, threatened to kill her and the kids.

I want 24-hour protection on my family or I'm off the job.

We'll take care of it.

-Major. -Sir.

Gregory is making noises about resigning again.

Give him what he wants, just keep him happy.

It's a joke, guarding the guard who is guarding Mandela.

We've got bigger problems.

The international community are crying for Mandela's release.

They are putting more and more pressure on us.

Are we going to bend?

No, we are not going to give power to the Blacks, ever.

Besides, imagine if a right-wing bullet takes him out,

there would be bloodshed like this country has never seen.

No, we'll have to make it look like we're negotiating.

And give him access to his people.

Maybe if we moved him to some place more comfortable, it would look better.

Like where?

The farm prison outside Paarl, Victor Verster.

It's got mountains, vineyards,

there's a farm house on the one side, which is isolated, secure.

Mr Mandela is expecting you.

Mr Maharaj is a vegetarian, so I'm not sure he'll appreciate the lamb.

I've baked a quiche for him.

And don't serve wine to Mr Ayob, he's a Muslim.

Christ, it's like the bloody United Nations in there.

The message from P. W. Botha is simple.

It's "power sharing" or nothing at all.

We will not enter into any discussions

unless all parties agree to the principle of free and fair elections.

Sorry to interrupt.

I'm taking the afternoon off. If you need me, just speak to Chris.

Very good, Mister Gregory.

Good day to you, gentlemen.

This country is full of surprises.

James, it's beautiful.

What did I tell you? Look at the mountains.

Come, let me show you inside.

-How's my girl? -This is so cool, Pa.

Bring in the suitcases, Brent.

-Wait. -What?

James.

It's got a dishwasher, a washing machine,

spin dryer that works.

The kids have each got their own bedroom, with study desks,

and there's an extra TV in the main bedroom.

No?

You don't believe me, go look for yourself.

And I promise you, we will not move from here unless you decide to.

Gloria, Gloria, you should be happy. This is a new beginning, a new start.

I am happy. I'm happy. Thank you.

Oh Jeez, do you guys have to do that in front of us?

Come.

What do you think? We've got an hour?

You're not chilly?

Oh, that's sweet.

Damn it, I left my smokes in the car. You go on. I'll catch you up in a minute.

It's typical of Pa.

-Why are you following me? -Please, don't shoot.

-Who are you? -National lntelligence.

Top left jacket pocket.

Why?

My orders are to look out for you and your family

whenever you leave the prison.

Tell Jordaan, next time send a professional.

-Gregory residence. -Hi, Natasha, it's me. Is Pa there?

-No, he just left. How did the exam go? -I cruised it. Thanks to Mr Mandela.

Everything he covered in commercial law came up.

-He's amazing. You must tell Ma. -No, no, I will.

-Brent, drive carefully, okay? -I will. I will. I'll see you later.

Cheers, bye.

-What time is it? -Past 10:00.

-I must have drifted off. -Shall I close up?

Please.

Is your family happy with their new accommodation?

Extremely.

I saw on the television

that President Botha suffered a minor stroke.

Do you know what hospital he is in?

I could find out.

I would like to send him a bowl of fruit and a card.

Do you think he'd do the same for you?

-That is not relevant. -I'll get Brent to find out.

-How is the young man? -He finished his last exam.

He should be driving back from Cape Town as we speak.

I am sure he will do very well.

-Good night, Mr Gregory. -Good night, Madiba.

This house is too big for one person.

It needs a family, the sound of children.

-Hello? -Warrant Officer Gregory?

-Yes. -This is Klapmuts Police Station.

-Are you Warrant Officer Gregory? -I just told you I am.

-Well, your son is dead. -What?

Listen, this is no time for sick jokes.

Was your son driving a Ford back from Cape Town this evening?

-Yes. - Then he's dead.

He was killed in a car crash.

-What's wrong? -Brent is dead.

-He was killed in a car crash. -What?

What?

It's because of everything I've done, Gloria.

It's because of Thembi Mandela, Oscar Ngidi,

Jonas Motsadi, Diliza Mje,

I sent those men to their deaths and now God is paying me back.

No, James, no.

-I am so sorry. -It's not your fault.

It is. I sent those men to their deaths. God, forgive me. Please forgive me.

We didn't know better, James. We didn't know better.

-Forgive me, please forgive me. -It's not your fault.

It's not your fault.

I was deeply shocked

to hear of the tragic death of your beloved son Brent

and on behalf of myself and my family, I send you our sincerest sympathy.

Few things are as painful as an invisible wound.

But I hope you and your family will be comforted

by the knowledge that Brent was loved and respected

by almost all those who came in contact with him.

Once again, our deepest condolences.

James, you've got a visitor.

James,

General Vorster called on a number of occasions to offer his condolences

but you don't come to the phone.

I tell you, James, if you don't go back to work, you will wither away.

The results of his final exams.

He passed everything. Three distinctions.

The first person in both our families to get a university degree.

Life goes on. It has to.

You heard Botha resigned?

This new man, De Klerk, he's cut from different cloth.

Please, man, I've been hearing talk of change for years

and nothing ever happens.

This man is different. He's a listener.

He's going to want to meet Mandela face-to-face.

And we're going to need you there, James, to set it up.

Do you remember once telling me you didn't want to be on the sidelines,

that you wanted to be part of history?

We need to be strong, James.

For each other. And for Natasha.

For whatever the future holds for us in this bloody country.

It's nice to see you back again, sir.

-I've got tea on the stove if you want. -I'm fine.

Come, my friend, let us take a walk in the garden.

Time will heal physical wounds

but time will not heal invisible wounds.

Sometimes, even now, I think of Thembi.

In some ways I don't think I've ever stopped thinking about him.

-Madiba. -What is it, Mr Gregory?

I told the Security Police that Thembi had a licence, that he had a car.

I told them because I heard Winnie telling you.

Do you honestly believe

that the Security Police did not know that before you did?

There are other names, other people that l...

Mr Gregory, we all have our jobs to do in this life.

You can not allow guilt or bitterness to cloud your way forward.

Come, I have something for you to give to Gloria from me.

That was given to him by his mother.

He says winter is coming and that you need to keep warm.

That's very kind of him.

Can you believe that in all these years I've never once laid eyes on him.

I don't even know what he looks like.

Merry Christmas.

Happy Christmas, Gloria.

No moping, you two. Please.

Make a toast, Pa.

-To a new South Africa. -A new South Africa.

How do I look?

You cannot visit the President with a tie that looks like a hangman's noose.

Here.

You appreciate it's been 20 years since I've worn a tie.

You're looking very elegant, Mr Mandela.

-Thank you. -Please, follow me.

The President is waiting for you.

Stay here, Chris.

Why is it I'm not surprised to see you here?

-It's over. -I could've told you that long ago.

We're releasing him on Sunday.

You'll be in charge of his personal safety

until he walks out of the gates of Victor Verster.

You've done a good job, Gregory. Well done.

Tell me the truth.

Thembi's accident, was it murder?

Hell, not even I know that.

Take a seat in the lounge, Brigadier. Mr Mandela won't be long.

-ls Warrant Officer Gregory here? -He's helping Mr Mandela pack, sir.

There is a clear sign of movement,

over, beyond the higher trees, the helicopters,

quite a number of helicopters, circling above the Victor Verster Prison.

Excitement in the crowd, movement.

Good morning, Brigadier. What brings you out here?

I am here to officially release you.

Sign here.

...clinging to the wires,

trying to see whether they can spot Mr Nelson Mandela first.

Mr Mandela, I am giving you a copy of this release form

in case someone wants to arrest you for escaping.

Warrant Officer Gregory, your insignia, take them off.

-What? -Your insignia, off.

-Congratulations, Lieutenant Gregory. -Thank you, sir.

I guess I will now have to show you some respect.

It's a bit late for that, Madiba.

-So, how does it feel? -What?

Being a free man after 27 years?

It will take some time to sink in.

I understand.

I... I wanted to give you something but...

I couldn't think what.

This was given to me by a friend,

the one who taught me to stick fight better than you.

Are you challenging me, Mr Gregory?

Because if you are, we can step outside.

No, no.

It has protected me for many years.

I hope it does the same for you.

Thank you, Mr Gregory.

You join us at the Victor Verster Prison where the excitement is running high.

The helicopters circling above, the first cars coming out

and Mr Nelson Mandela will, within seconds,

within seconds appear, and that will be the moment

the world has been waiting for.

Mr Mandela, with grade,

a man who has been in prison for nearly three decades,

would be appearing in public for the first time any moment now.

There's Mr Mandela, Mr Nelson Mandela,

a free man taking his first steps into a new South Africa.

Mr Mandela! Mr Mandela!

Mrs Winnie Mandela next to him waving to the crowds.

Hand in hand, they leave the Victor Verster Prison.

"There shall be peace and friendship.

"Let all who love their people and their country now say, as we say here,

"'These freedoms we will fight for,

"'side by side, throughout our lives, until we have won our liberty."'

That is the man that the world has been waiting to see,

walking strongly step by step further into freedom.

Goodbye, Bafana.