With Human Rights Day on Friday and a stormy weekend forecast for Cape Town, there’s no better time to stay indoors and revisit the powerful stories that shaped South Africa’s history.
Films have long been a way to educate, inspire, and remind us of the resilience of those who fought for justice.
So, grab a blanket, make some rooibos tea, and dive into these iconic South African films that bring human rights struggles to life.
Sarafina!
The 1992 film, streaming on Amazon Prime Video, captures the fire of the youth during the apartheid struggle. Starring Leleti Khumalo, Whoopi Goldberg, and John Kani, this musical drama tells the story of a schoolgirl in Soweto, who dares to dream of freedom.
Through song, dance, and gut-wrenching moments, it showcases the 1976 Soweto Uprising and the courage of students who stood up against oppression.
The soundtrack alone is enough to give you goosebumps.
Silverton Siege
"Silverton Siege" is a tense, action-packed film with real historical weight. Based on true events, this Netflix thriller follows three MK freedom fighters who take hostages in a bank, demanding the release of Nelson Mandela.
Thabo Rametsi, Noxolo Dlamini, and Arnold Vosloo bring this gripping tale to life, showing how ordinary people risked everything in the fight against apartheid.
The 2022 film highlights the desperation and determination of anti-apartheid fighters willing to risk everything for their cause. It also sheds light on the blurred lines between heroism and terrorism, a theme often overlooked when discussing those who fought against apartheid’s brutal system.
It’s an edge-of-your-seat reminder of how far we’ve come.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Based on Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, this film takes audiences through his early years as a lawyer, his radical shift towards resistance, and his long imprisonment on Robben Island.
Idris Elba delivers a powerhouse performance, bringing depth to the man behind the legend.
What makes this film, showing on Netflix, particularly moving is its portrayal of Mandela’s personal struggles, his sacrifices, his strained relationships, and the weight of leading a divided nation.
Naomi Harris, playing Winnie Mandela, adds another layer, showing how her own fight for justice took a different, more militant path.
Cry Freedom
This film, available on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video, brings to life the story of Steve Biko, portrayed by Denzel Washington, alongside journalist Donald Woods, played by Kevin Kline.
The film highlights the brutal reality of apartheid-era South Africa and the Black Consciousness Movement. Biko’s tragic yet inspiring story is one of defiance, courage, and an unbreakable spirit.
It was released while apartheid was still in effect, making it one of the earliest international films to expose the reality of South Africa’s oppressive system. It played a crucial role in rallying global awareness and condemnation of apartheid.
Tsotsi
The 2005 film, available on Apple TV+, explores the lingering effects of injustice, poverty, and crime in post-apartheid South Africa.
The Oscar-winning film follows a young gangster in Johannesburg who unexpectedly finds himself caring for a baby, forcing him to confront his past. It’s a moving reflection on how society shapes individuals and the power of change.
Unlike the other films on this list, "Tsotsi" shifts its focus to post-apartheid South Africa, showing how the scars of oppression still shape lives long after the laws have changed. It’s a deeply moving story about choice, humanity, and the possibility of change, even in the darkest circumstances.
These films go beyond entertainment; they serve as a reminder of the resilience, sacrifice, and victories that brought South Africa to where it is today. They keep history alive, educate new generations, and ensure that the struggles of the past are never forgotten.