The time is the late '80s, a crucial period in the history of South Africa. President P.W. Botha is hanging on to power by a thread as the African National Congress (ANC) takes up arms against apartheid and the country tumbles toward insurrection. A British mining concern is convinced that their interests would be better served in a stable South Africa and they quietly dispatch Michael Young, their head of public affairs, to open an unofficial dialogue between the bitter rivals. Assembling a reluctant yet brilliant team to pave the way to reconciliation by confronting obstacles that initially seem insurmountable, Young places his trust in ANC leader Thabo Mbeki and Afrikaner philosophy professor Willie Esterhuyse. It is their empathy that will ultimately serve as the catalyst for change by proving more powerful than the terrorist bombs that threaten to disrupt the peaceful dialogue.

In spite of having a heart of gold, Shaan Sahay, the son of a wealthy Indian family, yearns for his father's love and acceptance. He struggles to pursue his passion for writing much to his family's shagrin as they believe his talent would be better served in the family business. When a tragedy hits home forcing the revealing of some very old secrets, Shaan finds a new purpose and a place of acceptance in his family.