A Pair of Boots & a Bicycle

A Pair of Boots & a Bicycle

Country:South Africa

Director:Vincent Moloi

Program:African Panorama

Year: 
2007

Duration: 
75

Summary:

Why would men who are repressed at home valiantly fight in the war of their oppressors? And what did the triumphant victors give them, upon their return, for their "gallant and distinguished service"? This documentary tells the story of 120 000 South African black soldiers who volunteered to serve in the Second World War on the side of the British and whose contribution has been largely ignored. Told with poignancy, the irony of their situation is slowly revealed through the life and actions of Lance-Corporal Job Masego, a black soldier who fought in the Second World War. Job left his home and sweetheart to serve in the war. For a brief moment, somewhere in the deserts of North Africa Job became a hero.