The 1968 South African Nationalist government implemented a strict apartheid policy, with 25 million blacks ruled by a minority of 4 million whites. Black people have no right to vote, no right to use land, no right to freedom of movement, no business, housing, and education on their own. To consolidate power, the white ban shut down all black opposition groups, forcing their leaders into exile or long-term imprisonment on Robin Island.
James Gregoryis a quintessentially white South African who sees blacks as a subhuman race. Because Gregory grew up on a farm in Transkei, he learned the Bantu language used by the Xhosa at an early age. This makes him ideal for a job as a caretaker at the Robin Island Prison, where his "prisoners" are Nelson Mandelaand his comrades. Still, Gregory speaks his own language but can scout for them at the same time. However, this plan backfired. Under Mandela's great influence, Gregory's original loyal will gradually shaken, gradually shifting from allegiance to a racist government to fighting for the liberation of South Africa.
