Footprints – The Last Century Course Website

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Umlilo’s Treasure, Peter Younghusband
The story of Umlilo’s Treasure is based in Pilgrim’s Rest and is a compelling adventure story of three children who are on a camping trip to this town. They begin a treasure hunt for the legendary treasure of Umlilo…but they are not the only ones after the goods! Although a little unbelievable, this is gripping story for a read aloud with children 8 and up or a read alone for children 12+. There is one rather scary incident involving a blood soaked rag, but presented in context, the book is delightful reading for all with many historically accurate details.

Gold, Carmen Welz
Although this now out-of-print book was published in the 1980s, its a fascinating overview of the gold industry in South Africa. It focuses on topics such as how the gold reefs were formed (evolutionary perspective), how they were discovered, life on the early goldfields as well as information about the mining and recovering of gold and its influence on the economy of South Africa. Good drawing and colour illustrations make it an engaging book for all ages. See if you can find it in the library system.

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Lost Kruger Gold
This movie is currently in production so we haven’t reviewed it yet, but the description looks promising.
The hunt is on: When Chris Durand is thrown back on the trail for the lost Kruger Millions, his adventure will team him up with his beautiful semi-adopted sister, pit him against a dangerous rival far more equipped than he is, and ultimately lead him in search of the fabled African lost city of Ebonkizwe.

Fiela se Kind (1988 or 2019 version)
This movie is based on the acclaimed novel by Dalene Matthee, which was translated into multiple languages and is often used as a high school setwork book. The story is set in the forests of Knysna and tells the story of a Cape Coloured woman, Fiela Komoetie, and her family who adopts an abandoned three year old, found outside their door in 1865. Nine years later, census-takers come to count the people living in the Long Kloof. They are shocked that a white child is living with a Coloured family and somehow come to the conclusion that the white child must be the child lost by the van Rooyens, who live in the forest. The movie is in Afrikaans with English subtitles. PG advised.

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As should be expected, movies about war are violent so please use your own discretion.

Blood and Glory (YouTube) PG 16 LVP
Set in 1901 and inspired by true events, this epic tale of survival follows Willem Morkel –a family man whose wife and son are murdered during the Anglo-Boer War. Later captured as a prisoner of war, Willem must survive incarceration in the notorious St. Helena concentration camp and defeat the ruthless Colonel Swannell at his own game… Rugby.

Breaker Morant (Netflix) PG 13
Three Australian lieutenants are court martialed for executing six Boer prisoners, as a way of deflecting attention from war crimes committed by their superior officers. The film concerns the 1902 court martial of lieutenants Harry “Breaker” Morant, Peter Handcock and George Witton who served in the British Army during the Second Anglo-Boer War. British Commander-in-Chief Lord Kitchener is determined to see the men found guilty, which he can use as a bargaining chip in an impending peace conference with the Boers.

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Movies

Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Orders (click on the title to open in YouTube)
We think it would make an interesting discussion to talk about how SA fitted into the rise of the Dutch Empire, then how the cost of Anglo-Boer war in SA must have been one of many wars for freedom that impacted the British Empire and led to its demise.
This video helps one understand the BIG PICTURE of macro-economics and where we are on that repetitive cycle in the world today. Those who don’t understand history don’t understand the lessons we can learn from the past and use them to understand what is likely to happen in the present and the future. This video is an excellent example of that.

War Movies
Below is list of non-South African movies about the world wars. Since war movies deal with violence, please use your own discretion. You can read parental guidance reviews at websites like commonsensemedia.org and IMDB.com

• The Gathering Storm
• Dunkirk
• Darkest Hour
• Greyhound
• The King’s Speech
• The Hiding Place
• The Book Thief
• Valkyrie
• Schindler’s List
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

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The World Beneath, Janice Warman
At the height of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, a boy must face life decisions that test what he believes—and call for no turning back. Set in South Africa in1976. Joshua lives with his mother in the maid’s room, in the backyard of their wealthy white employers’ house in the city by the sea. He doesn’t quite understand the events going on around him. But when he rescues a stranger and riots begin to sweep the country, Joshua has to face the world beneath—the world deep inside him—to make heartbreaking choices that will change his life forever.

Chain of Fire, Beverley Naidoo
This is the sequel to Journey to Jo’burg but it can be read alone too. Naledi and Tiro discover that the residents of their rural village are to be evicted and sent to a homeland, Bophuthatswana, by the apartheid government. Naledi helps organise a peaceful protest march but violence erupts. Soon the bulldozers move in but despite the loss of their homes, the people’s will to resist grows stronger.

Cry, The Beloved Country, Alan Paton
This is a beautifully written South African classic for mature teens and adults.  The hero is a gentle black minister who against many odds, goes to Johannesburg to search for his son, his sister and a friend’s daughter. There, his discoveries bring him to a deeper understanding of the way that the westernisation of the black people has caused much degradation, pain and suffering: in the city they leave their cultural way of life behind for the faster-paced and self-serving lifestyles of Johannesburg. The minister’s deep belief in God and the passion for his people bring about change and healing between himself and the white farmer who lives in his valley. 

William Street District Six, Hettie Adams & Hermoine Suttner
“The story of one woman’s childhood in District Six – a raw, humorous, compelling world that has vanished.” This fascinating memoir should not be read aloud with younger siblings as it is an honest account of the “goings on” of this community, which is where it’s value lies. This youth novel does not gloss over the unsavoury bits (like alchoholism for example) to give a romantic perspective of District Six.

Lucky Fish, Reviva Schermbrucker
Set in the 1960’s, this story follows the lives of a white South African family whose parents are imprisoned for supporting the rights of blacks. There are some words of blasphemy and the odd swear word, which is why we want you to read it together so that you can skip them as you read and substitute your own exclamations. There is also one situation where the boy senses a physical sexual reaction when looking at his girlfriend lying on the grass beside him! However, the book is important as it shows that this was not only but largely, a black struggle. There were many white people who acted against the social injustice of the time.

Love, David, Diane Case
This award-winning book describes the life of a family on the Cape Flats. Anna, the story-teller is the younger step-sister of David, who is fourteen, rebellious and at times involved with bad company. It is primarily a story about human relationships but also reflects social situations in South Africa. Since the father, who drinks, is physically harsh at times, we feel that this story is not suitable for young children. There is also reference to marijuana.

Legends of the Tide, Neelan Govender and Viroshen Chetty
We have not yet obtained our own copy of this book, but it seems to be a fascinating “living book” history of the Indian fishing community in Durban. Indian families in particular may find it very interesting.
“This glorious 248 page coffee table book contains over 250 photographs and hundreds of stories of the community that was ‘dumped’ during the Group Areas Act. The story of the struggle of Seine-netting and the roots of the Durban fishing industry founded by the ‘Fishermen Gang’ of Chatsworth in 1865 is celebrated in this interesting book by Neelan Govender and Viroshen Chetty.” (Rebel Rabble, 2014)

Sugar Cane Boy, Rubendra Govender
Read a review online. See more on Facebook: Sugar Cane Boy 
We have not been able to get hold of a copy of this out of print book. We suspect it is best suited for mature teens.
Since its publication in 2008, Sugar Cane Boy has been selected as an English set-work for grades 8, 9 and 10 at several leading secondary schools in Durban.
Set in rural Inanda in KwaZulu-Natal, this coming-of-age story is about a young boy of Indian descent living and working on a sugar cane plantation. The vibrant tapestry woven of inter-racial interaction of culture and friendship between Soya and his black friend highlights the jaunty pasttimes of the youths and their trials and tribulations in a country ruled by apartheid.

The Indian Africans, Paul David, along with Ranjith Choonilall, Kiru Naidoo and Selvan Naidoo
We have not reviewed this book but it tells “the story of indenture within the richer tapestry of deepening nonracialism and building a common nationhood.” That theme runs across the book in short chapters that variously look at food, culture and history.

Ouma’s Autumn, Patricia Schonstein Pinnock
“This sad, funny story of a little girl and her ouma is written around a unique collection of photographs of District Six and Harfield Village. It is a story of remembering and forgetting” (from the back cover). The story contains an incident of domestic violence, which is not appropriate for young children, otherwise this is a lovely book.

Movies

e’Lollipop (YouTube)
e’Lollipop is the extraordinary tale of two inseparable South African children during the apartheid era. Tsepo and his orphaned friend Jannie meet when Jannie’s parents die tragically in a car crash in the Lesotho mountains. Jannie is sent to a missionary station in Tsepo’s village, where they become best friends.

Cry the Beloved Country
Based on the novel by Alan Paton. A white South African and a black pastor are bonded by the murder of one’s son. This movie is labelled as a drama and thriller and rated PG 13.

Tsotsi PG – language and violence
This crime drama is an adaptation of the novel, Tsotsi, by Athol Fugard. Set in the Alexandra neighborhood of Johannesburg, it is Tsotsi, a young street thug who steals a car only to discover a baby. He brings the baby to his house. The next six days bring a change in him that no one expected.

Gandhi PG
This is a biographical movie of the lawyer who became the famed leader of the Indian revolts against British rule through his philosophy of nonviolent protest. It includes scenes from his life in South Africa where he protested against apartheid legislation.

Legends of the Tides (YouTube)
A short clip about the rise of the seine-net fishing industry and the Indian in Durban in the 20th century.

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Escape from Pretoria, Timothy Jenkins (free ebook download)
The thrilling story is the book on which the movie by the same name was based. The book is best suited for teen readers and adult readers. Tim Jenkin’s daring escape from Pretoria Maximum Security Prison, where he was kept by apartheid authorities for his activities on behalf of the ANC, and his subsequent flight from South Africa shows the commitment, passion and ingenuity of him and his fellow escapees to achieve their goal.

When Morning Comes, Arushi Raina
A group of unconnected teens and a series of chance meetings sets a chain of events in motion – a failed plot, a murdered teacher and a secret movement of students that has spread across the township. The skillful presentation of characters with different racial identities beautifully highlights how those identities shape the characters’ understandings and experiences. This teen novel highlights the harsh realities of life in apartheid South Africa and is a timely reminder of the sacrifices involved in deconstructing an unjust social order. Due to the violence and some referred sexual content, please use your own discretion.

A Matter of Conscience, Lawrence Bransby
In this raw and tragic story, award-winning author Lawrence Bransby traces the life of Warrick Hedley and his friend Gift Mchunu, growing up together on a farm in rural Natal, South Africa. They play together and develop a bond of friendship that will be tested to breaking point when Warrick is faced with the decision: Will I serve an unjust and repressive government by reporting for National Service or refuse and face a possible six years’ imprisonment?
Please note: We have not been able to get a copy to preview this story, so please use your discretion. If you find a copy and its a great story, please let us know and if not, we’d like to know too, so we can remove it from this list!

For additional understanding of world events during the time of the Cold War from 1947 – 1991 you can read two books: White Sands, Red Menace and Green Glass Sea, both by by Ellen Klages. These two stories are written from the perspective of a young girl whose father and mother worked on the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima and then continue with their careers into the Cold War.

Waiting for the Rain, Sheila Gordon
Tengo and Frikkie develop a cross-racial friendship each holiday that Frikkie spends on his uncle’s farm. As he matures, Tengo develops a thirst for knowledge and answers to his questions. His pursuit of education leads him to a Johannesburg township where the realities of anti-apartheid action confront him. A surprise confrontation with Frikkie, reveals the tensions between black and white imposed by apartheid.

Into the Valley, Michael Williams
After the death of his older brother during military service, a young South African boy embarks on an odyssey of discovery, encountering a rich variety of colourful characters who reveal the complex issues and implications of apartheid. There are a few swear words in the beginning, but it is an interesting read giving insight into a little-known village and the corruption in the sugar farms.

Movies

Catch a Fire PG 13 (violence)
The movie is a biographical suspense movie directed by the daughter of the late Jo Slovo, Robyn Slovo. Patrick Chamusso, a young, apolitical man, is accused of carrying out a terrorist attack. Afrikaner police officer Nic Vos is in charge of locating the perpetrators of a recent bomb attack against the Secunda CTL synthetic fuel refinery, which is the largest coal liquefaction plant in the world. Patrick is wrongfully arrested and the injustices he and his family suffer spur him to action.

Skin (2008) (Vimeo)
This movie, based on a true story, is about Sandra Laing, the daughter of a white Afrikaner family from a remote area of the Eastern Transvaal. Her mixed-race appearance triggered complaints from other parents and students when she enrolled at a boarding school in Piet Retief. She was reclassified as Coloured and expelled from the school. This gripping story tells of the struggles she faced, the broken relationships and the hard choices she made as someone who didn’t fit into a society divided by colour. PG-13

Prescribed Books

The following two books could not be reprinted but they are available on Amazon Kindle. You can buy the digital book and read it using the free Kindle app. Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer – no Kindle device required. Learn more. Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.

Afrika, Colleen Craig
For thirteen-year-old Kim, travel to her journalist mother’s homeland in South Africa will mark the end of her childhood and the beginning of a remarkable journey. Kim is faced with the country’s diverse and often shocking history. The Truth and Reconciliation Hearings in post-apartheid South Africa open her eyes to the tragedy and brutality of its segregationist policies. Kim’s first meeting with her relatives, her contact with schoolmates and cousins, bring her face-to-face with the realisation that she is not as removed from this powerful story as she thought.

Blood Runner, James Riordan
A young boy is orphaned after his parents are killed at a peaceful protest. His uncle recognises his talent for running and encourages him to work at his sport, even though he is black. He gets a job on the mines and runs for the mine team until apartheid ends, he finally gets to vote and run.

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Jakey, Lesley Beake
Set during the run up to the 1994 elections in South Africa, Jakey is the tale of two boys, both 13 years old, who become friends, and almost without knowing it, help each other with their problems. Jakey is full of anger, and Hendrik of sadness; which, seems to correlate with the mood of the country at the time. Each chapter is headed by a headline taken from newspapers of that time. 
While not the main focus of the story, adultery and teen pregnancy are mentioned. This book raises many challenging topics which would be good to discuss together…self hate, suicide, running away, violence and abuse, lack of identity, how to deal with stress and problems, how not to, mistakes to avoid, how to build trust, good relationships vs bad etc.

The Children’s Madiba, Sean Fraser
The Children’s Madiba chronicles the life of Nelson Mandela with text and drawings of children of 8 to 12. It depicts his journey from the hills of Eastern Cape to the bustling streets of Johannesburg where he studied law. It tells of his struggles, his time on Robben Island, his victory as the first president of a democratic South Africa and his last days as a much loved, elder statesman.

Mellow Yellow, Jenny Robson
This book raises social awareness. A young child faces a life on the street, until he can decipher the green paper that hangs around his neck, which is his only link to his mother. He befriends a white schoolboy, who teaches him to read and ultimately, he finds his grandfather. This is a great story of triumph over circumstances and while it comes across as a bit of “pie in the sky” it is good to know that there are good news stories out there.

Movies

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Of Roosters, Dogs and Cardboard Boxes…, Lawrence Bransby
First published in 1996 this is the moving account of Siyabonga, a young Xhosa boy, who leaves his home in the Transkei to travel on foot to look for work in town. Lawrence Bransby explores the tragic problem of unemployment and poverty in South Africa.
Please note: We have not been able to get a copy to preview this story, so please use your discretion. If you find a copy and its a great story, please let us know and if not, we’d like to know too, so we can remove it from this list!

Movies

In my Country (Google Play) (adults – violence and adultery)
Based on the adult novel, Country of my Skull by Antjie Krog this story is about Anna, a liberal Afrikaans journalist who attends the TRC and the effect the stories have on her. She meets an African American journalist and they both make sterotypical assumptions of each other but discover uBuntu.
This movie is not suitable for children as the horrors of gruesome murders and torture are told.

The Lucky Specials
The Lucky Specials are a cover band in a dusty town in southern Africa. Mandla is a miner by day and plays lead guitar by night. He dreams of making it big in the music industry. When tragedy strikes, the band, Mandla and their friend Nkanyiso struggle to hold everything together.

The Letter Reader
This beautiful Zulu film, with English subtitles, tells the story of Siyabonga, a 12-year-old boy from Johannesburg who is sent to a village in KwaZulu-Natal to live with his grandmother while his parents are sorting out their marital problems. Siyabonga struggles to adapt to his new home but he discovers the power of words as he reads letters that put a smile on people’s faces, until one day, a letter with bad news lands in his hands.