They risk their lives digging in abandoned mines in their quest to find fortunes in the form of either gold (mostly) or diamonds
IT IS unfortunate that a local movie about mining is being released this week when the country is grappling with the massacre of 34 Marikana miners last week.
For those who are uninitiated in township patois, Zama Zamas, or simply the Zamas, is the South African term for illegal miners.
Just to enlighten you, the Zamas literally live underground for days on end - which can go on for months and months - without food and water. And without seeing daylight.
Worst of all, they work in complete darkness - yes, there's no electricity. The Zamas wouldn't go through such risks if there was no market for their ultimate product.
You're damn right, it's the "black market", a term I, too, flick fan, despise for its racial connotation. But let's keep the subject glued on Zama Zama, shall we?
When I first saw the title I thought it's a story about a beautiful woman called Zama. But then the second Zama gave it away and I was instantly forlorn. "Zama" means "trying your luck" or taking a shot at fortune.
The movie kicks off in earnest with Malcolm Phiri (Lindani Nkosi) joining the BEE squires when he buys a mine in a partnership.
He has arrived and celebrations are in order albeit momentarily. I just have issues with his company name, Ubuntu Mines.
Ubuntu means "humanity" or "selfless" in the African context. There's nothing humane or selfless about mining except making profits. A less patronising name would have gone a long way. Research, research, research.
Anyway, Ubuntu Mines learn that the mine is housing illegal miners (the Zamas). As expected, Phiri and his partners agree to launch a massive raid to flush the Zamas out.
But then Phiri stumbles upon information that his younger brother, Joseph, is a Zama in the very same mine and definite target. Now his capitalistic heart makes a U-turn and brotherhood (not "ubuntu") kicks in.
Phiri dumps his rich life and goes out to find his brother deep underground - and he must not be caught out by the other Zamas that he's the mine's boss.
But it's not going to be easy and it's going to be harder than striking a BEE deal. Add to this that Phiri and Joseph don't get along because they have a terrible history.
Forgiveness and guilt are at play here. It's money versus poverty, brother versus brother. Essentially, the lesson you'll learn after watching the movie is that money comes where blood is thicker than water.
Barring the naming faux pas, I applaud the director's handling of the production, especially taking into consideration that shooting in dingy, dangerous mines (seven in total) was not easy.
The plot is bearable, the script is so-so (it could have been better) and the cinematography won me over.
The acting was a mixed bag but generally the lead characters are a sight to behold. The sombre mood and living on the edge underground will push you to the edge of your seat.
Title: Zama Zama
Director: Vickus Strijdom
Screenwriter: Vickus Strijdom
Cast: Lindani Nkosi, Presley Chweneyagae, Khulu M Skejana, Israel Makoe, Fumani Shilubana, Justin Strydom, Lebogang Inno, Renate Stuurman, MaMasoja Msiza, Ivy Nkuna, Mfundo Mdlalose and Siyabonga Ngwekazi
Genre: Drama
Age restriction: PG13
Running time: 1 hour
- May the souls of the Marikana miners rest in peace.
Movie review - Zama Zamas will push you to the edge
They risk their lives digging in abandoned mines in their quest to find fortunes in the form of either gold (mostly) or diamonds
IT IS unfortunate that a local movie about mining is being released this week when the country is grappling with the massacre of 34 Marikana miners last week.
For those who are uninitiated in township patois, Zama Zamas, or simply the Zamas, is the South African term for illegal miners.
Just to enlighten you, the Zamas literally live underground for days on end - which can go on for months and months - without food and water. And without seeing daylight.
Worst of all, they work in complete darkness - yes, there's no electricity. The Zamas wouldn't go through such risks if there was no market for their ultimate product.
You're damn right, it's the "black market", a term I, too, flick fan, despise for its racial connotation. But let's keep the subject glued on Zama Zama, shall we?
When I first saw the title I thought it's a story about a beautiful woman called Zama. But then the second Zama gave it away and I was instantly forlorn. "Zama" means "trying your luck" or taking a shot at fortune.
The movie kicks off in earnest with Malcolm Phiri (Lindani Nkosi) joining the BEE squires when he buys a mine in a partnership.
He has arrived and celebrations are in order albeit momentarily. I just have issues with his company name, Ubuntu Mines.
Ubuntu means "humanity" or "selfless" in the African context. There's nothing humane or selfless about mining except making profits. A less patronising name would have gone a long way. Research, research, research.
Anyway, Ubuntu Mines learn that the mine is housing illegal miners (the Zamas). As expected, Phiri and his partners agree to launch a massive raid to flush the Zamas out.
But then Phiri stumbles upon information that his younger brother, Joseph, is a Zama in the very same mine and definite target. Now his capitalistic heart makes a U-turn and brotherhood (not "ubuntu") kicks in.
Phiri dumps his rich life and goes out to find his brother deep underground - and he must not be caught out by the other Zamas that he's the mine's boss.
But it's not going to be easy and it's going to be harder than striking a BEE deal. Add to this that Phiri and Joseph don't get along because they have a terrible history.
Forgiveness and guilt are at play here. It's money versus poverty, brother versus brother. Essentially, the lesson you'll learn after watching the movie is that money comes where blood is thicker than water.
Barring the naming faux pas, I applaud the director's handling of the production, especially taking into consideration that shooting in dingy, dangerous mines (seven in total) was not easy.
The plot is bearable, the script is so-so (it could have been better) and the cinematography won me over.
The acting was a mixed bag but generally the lead characters are a sight to behold. The sombre mood and living on the edge underground will push you to the edge of your seat.
Title: Zama Zama
Director: Vickus Strijdom
Screenwriter: Vickus Strijdom
Cast: Lindani Nkosi, Presley Chweneyagae, Khulu M Skejana, Israel Makoe, Fumani Shilubana, Justin Strydom, Lebogang Inno, Renate Stuurman, MaMasoja Msiza, Ivy Nkuna, Mfundo Mdlalose and Siyabonga Ngwekazi
Genre: Drama
Age restriction: PG13
Running time: 1 hour
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos