Watch Dear Mandela

Dear Mandela is a 2012 documentary film that delves into the lives of three young South African activists who are fighting the eviction process in their township of Durban. The film explores the complex issues surrounding land rights and housing in South Africa, particularly in the context of the country's ongoing struggle with poverty, inequality, and political corruption.

At the heart of Dear Mandela are the stories of Zama, Mazwi, and Mnikelo - three young people from the Durban township of Kennedy Road who have dedicated their lives to fighting the eviction process. As residents of an informal settlement, they are at constant risk of being forcibly removed from their homes by the government and private developers seeking to redevelop the area.

The film follows the trio as they organize and mobilize their community to resist the eviction process, highlighting the power of grassroots activism and the resilience of marginalized communities in the face of systemic oppression. Along the way, we see the immense personal sacrifices and emotional toll that this work takes on Zama, Mazwi, and Mnikelo, as well as their families and loved ones.

Dear Mandela also provides historical context for the current housing crisis in South Africa, tracing the roots of the country's deeply unequal land distribution system back to the colonial era and the apartheid regime. Through interviews with experts and archival footage, the film paints a vivid picture of the ongoing struggle for land rights and restitution in post-apartheid South Africa, and highlights the ways in which this struggle is intertwined with broader issues of economic and social justice.

The documentary also explores the role of the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling political party in South Africa, in the housing crisis. While the ANC has made significant strides in advancing civil rights and political representation for Black South Africans since the end of apartheid, it has been criticized for not doing enough to address economic inequality and tackle systemic corruption. Through interviews with activists, scholars, and political leaders, Dear Mandela raises questions about the future of the ANC and its commitment to the ideals of the anti-apartheid struggle.

Overall, Dear Mandela is a powerful and inspiring documentary that sheds light on a crucial issue facing South Africa and the world at large. Through its intimate portraits of Zama, Mazwi, and Mnikelo, the film reminds us of the human cost of systemic oppression and the resilience of those who refuse to be silenced. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of fighting for justice, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Dear Mandela is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.