Machansa, a successful businessman with a severe gambling problem, ends up living in the streets after losing a bet. Now he must survive a year without gambling if he is to regain control of his company and return to middle-class life.

The year is 1993, democracy is at hand, and South Africa's townships are burning. Gugu, a sixteen year-old from a Zulu speaking family falls in love with Andile, an eighteen year-old Xhosa youth. Their love is frowned upon by both communities.