Information
- BFI identifier21089
- Date1950-11 (Release)
- Production countryUnited Kingdom
- Production company
- SynopsisThe life and peoples of Bechanualand, Swaziland and Basutoland; developments in agriculture, health and education; their future Government by Britain or South Africa. This Modern Age series no. 39. (Synopsis) The claims made by South Africa on the protectorates of Bechuanaland, Basutoland and Swaziland. (Shotlist) The claims made by South Africa on the protectorates of Bechuanaland, Basutoland and Swaziland. The film begins by offering a historical consideration of the three territories. First, Bechuanaland, which is 'mostly desert', and which is represented by shots of local agriculture, bushmen, and women preparing food. Secondly, the 'mountainous' Basutoland, which is represented by the Orange River, the 'primitive bridal paths', weaving and further farming, as the commentator emphasises the need for 'better farming methods and new industries'. Trading stores are shown next (mostly owned by Europeans) and the film then emphasises the role of 'educated Basutos' working for the government as clerks, teachers, doctors, agricultural officers and Police. The commentator states that 'witch doctors still exercise great influence' and suggests that this is a reaction against change and social development. Thirdly, the film shows the Swazis, 'a proud race, loyal to the old tribal ways'. The commentator notes their 'daily struggle for existence' and their reliance on the British: 'their money and energy have played a vital part in developing the country'. The film shows agricultural development schemes, and improvements in health and schooling. The next section explores the links between the Territories and the Union of South Africa. It notes the economic ties and the transfer of labour into the Union. When showing footage of the mining community, the commentator notes the disruption these moves cause to tribal organisation and family life and states that some miners drift into the 'slums and shacks of the city'. The film then highlights the British efforts within the territories, outlining the model of 'indirect rule'. It acknowledges that 'inevitably difficulties arise', referring to the Seretse Khama case, but concludes that the 'people's loyalty to and faith in the British Crown remains strong'. Finally, the film asks 'On what then is South Africa's claims to the Territories based?' The film briefly reiterates the claims made by Smuts, Hertzog and Malan, but restates that Britain will continue to listen to the views of the local people. 'Surely it is right', the commentator concludes, 'that the wishes of the people themselves should be the overriding consideration in this modern age?' (Shotlist)
- Work historyDocumentary short.
- Subject
- Credits
Title
The Future of One Million Africans (Original)
EIDR identifier
10.5240/3150-2354-3EF5-BDC2-233A-RCategory
Non Fiction- Collections
- Film / Video
16mm BW Positive - CTA - Combined - Viewing
35mm BW Positive - Polyester - Combined - Viewing
D3 - Video - Viewing
VHS cassette - Video - Viewing
view all - Scripts / Documents
- Articles
- This Modern Age
Series Work - 768453
United Kingdom - Film - Non Fiction
- +The Future of One Million Africans
Work - 21089 - 1950-11 (Release)
United Kingdom - Film - Non Fiction
- +The Future of One Million Africans
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