Isishuluku

Young Sizwe is stuck in an unhappy home where his abusive father, together with a mean-spirited friend, neglect the poor young boy, often refusing to give him any food or water. Things start to look up for Sizwe when he befriends Mandla, another young boy who lives in the area, but one day, while Sizwe and Mandla are out playing together, Sizwe’s father and his buddy kidnap Mandla, taking him hostage. Mandla, however, is a resourceful boy, and when Sizwe brings Mandla’s father to help out, the trio manage to get the upper hand. In the end, the mean-spirited father and friend are beaten, and Sizwe is given a happy new home with Mandla and his caring dad.

Directed by Tony Greb, Isishuluku leans on a strong ensemble — Innocent Gumede, Hector Mathanda, Sizwe Kenneth — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1981.