
Gangsterism in movies and television: Wees geskool'Gangsterism has been portrayed in movies and television: but have you ever seen these films and television shows? Here's what to watch.
by Francois Jansen
20-05-2024 12:59
in Culture
The alleged gangster poses for a photo in a police van. Photo: Screenshot.
Gangsterism is an international business, often operating as openly as the neighbourhood's spaza shop. South Africans caution their loved ones against gang violence, however, how much do people really know about gangs?
--
A gangster is someone who is part of a larger, organized crime group, according to Britannica. Crime can be attractive, especially if you're hungry for food and power.
South Africa is no stranger to gangs, which operate inside prisons and outside streets.
Do you know enough about the gangsterism underworld?
--
Here's what to know:
Gangsterism in movies and television According to The Guardian, South Africa called for a crackdown on gangsterism in 2022.
Crossfires and secret negotiations are part of almost every local neighbourhood. Different gangs and their codes exist, even when you aren't aware of them.
--
Should there be any gangsterism in movies and television?
Yes.
The less you know, the more dangerous criminals could be. However, knowledge is power. The more you learn, the better you will know!
Here are some of the best portrayals in local film and television.
Gangsterism in Four Corners' Four Corners is a 2013 movie starring Brendon Daniels and Jezriel Skei. The movie explores life within the Numbers Gang, which dominates the Western Cape area where the movie takes place.
The movie also starred retired Numbers Generals, who consulted on its authenticity. Ricardo, its main character, slowly gets to know gangsterism and yes, it's accurate.
However, it's shocking and accurate, and you have to see it.
It was South Africa's submission to the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival. You can view the trailer below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Dve8uEYiHA
Gangsterism in Spinners' Spinners is a uniquely South African tale, which you can see on Showmax.
It's famous soundtrack includes Isaac Mutant, Angie Oeh, Ready D, and other local South African rappers. However, that's not all the show is about.
It delves into the world of Spinners' or street racers in Cape Town, South Africa.
On the other hand, you can also watch it for the music!
Watch the trailer below.
Jerusalema' We're also not done yet.
Jerusalema is a 2008 movie.
However, it's not about street gangs. Instead, this movie was about property gangs who dominate Johannesburg.
It was also, partially, a love story.
There's a good ending, however no spoilers.
It's also called Gangster's Paradise.
Watch the trailer below.
https://ww.youtube.com/watch?v=t6EohBg3QoY
Tell us your thoughts Tell us your thoughts! We love hearing from our readers, and this includes you. Have you seen a stunning portrayal in South African film or television? You can also send us your suggestions! Let us know your thoughts by sending an email to info@thesouthafrican.com.
Maak seker jy is nie n slagoffer nie, kry jou versekering in orde met Virseker!
Africa Stories
24/03/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites eligible Tier 1 and 2 South African production companies to submit proposals to serve as the Facilitating ...
15/03/2026
Johannesburg, 14 March 2026 - On 13 and 14 March 2026, the 19th Annual South Afr...
12/03/2026
Johannesburg, 11 March 2026 - The 19th Annual South African Film and Television ...
03/03/2026
Click here for isiXhosa version.
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites aspiring and emerging filmmakers from Matatiele and surrounding areas to...
17/02/2026
Johannesburg, 17 February 2026 - The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), ...
09/02/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture and custodian of the SAFTAs, is calling on all South Afri...
09/02/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...
09/02/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is pleased to announce that the call for training provider submissions is open. This funding aims to award grants ...
06/02/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...
04/02/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites final-year animation students to participate in an exclusive creative showcase at the Annecy International...
02/02/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in partnership with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), is calling for applications from experienced Sou...
29/01/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in collaboration with a distribut...
28/01/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in partnership with the Oudtshoorn Municipality, invites aspiring and emerging filmmakers to apply for the Sediba...
20/01/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...
07/01/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in collaboration with a distributor, is commissioning new micro-budget fiction feature films and invites eligible...
31/10/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
30 October 2025
It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Segomotso Keorapetse, an award- winning South African television d...
29/10/2025
It's not the wonders of the world that make a place; it's the people. As...
07/10/2025
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...
02/10/2025
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is pleased to announce the opening...
30/09/2025
Johannesburg, South Africa, 29 September 2025: The National Film and Video Found...
26/09/2025
The National Film and Video Foundation, an agency of the Department of Sport, Ar...
26/09/2025
https://www.nfvf.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/fully-Inclusive-nfvf-invitatio...
29/08/2025
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...
27/08/2025
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...
25/08/2025
Theme: One Story. One Industry. One Future. - Celebrating South Africa's Screen Legacy, Together
Johannesburg - The National Film and Video Foundation (N...
04/08/2025
S o Paulo Film and Audiovisual Company (Spcine) and the National Film and Video ...
15/07/2025
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...
28/06/2025
Johannesburg, 27 June 2025 - As the nation commemorates Youth Month
2025, the N...
24/06/2025
Panels of the National Film and Video Foundation in Accordance with the NFVF Act...
13/06/2025
Johannesburg, 12 June 2025 - The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an a...
11/06/2025
Johannesburg, South Africa - 10 June 2025 - The National Film and Video Foundati...
10/06/2025
Johannesburg, South Africa - 10 June 2025 - The National Film and Video Foundati...
06/06/2025
S o Paulo Film and Audiovisual Company (Spcine) and the National Film and Video ...
05/06/2025
Johannesburg, South Africa 4 June 2025 - The National Film and Video Foundatio...
29/05/2025
Rest in Power, a True Legend of Our Screens
Johannesburg, South Africa 27 May...
29/05/2025
Johannesburg, South Africa 28 May 2025 - The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Vincent Blennies, has resigned from...
22/05/2025
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...
13/05/2025
The NFVF, an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture that was create...
10/05/2025
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...
09/05/2025
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...
09/04/2025
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is pleased to announce that the ca...
08/04/2025
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Vincent Blennies as Chief Exec...
04/04/2025
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites final-year animation students to submit character designs inspired by lead characters from any South Afric...
14/03/2025
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is pleased to announce that the ca...
01/03/2025
Antis pticos Orales: Revisi n De La Literatura Y Perspectiva Actual Influenza son contradictorios, dadas las elevadas tasas de curaci n espont nea. De ser neces...
28/02/2025
The Future of Green Energy: Challenges and Prospects Green energy, also known as renewable energy, has emerged as a critical solution to global energy challenge...
27/02/2025
Beginner Coding in Python: Building the Simplest AI Chat Companion Possible
AI-powered Personal VoiceBot for Language Learning by Gamze Zorlubas
You can ear...