South Africa's Bush War SONG VIDEO

South Africa's Bush War SONG VIDEO

 

From 1966 to 1989 The South African Defense Force (SADF) fought a war on the border between Angola and South West Africa (today known as Namibia). This 23 year conflict is today referred to as the Forgotten War. The 'Kaplyn' (cutline) was a thin strip of land cleared of any growth. This was the border.

During this period every single white South African son was forced, through the Conscript System, to serve a minimum of two years as soon as they left school. A total of 715 South African Soldiers gave their lives to protect their country.

Footage and photos courtesy of the SANDF Archive and Veterans.

 

Translated lyrics to Kaplyn: Between bushes and trees. Between borders where we all were killed. But at 18 we were all lost. How could we understand. And for whom we live. For God alone knows what we live for. Because at 18 we all just wanted to live. Just one shot and your life was over. Are you calling to me? Are you calling me back to the "Border" my friend? Through the years, the world turned. When we were young, how would we have imagined this. Are you looking for me? Looking for me in the dust and your blood? You said you could hear God call you. Then it was all over. After all these years. Long lost, we suffer under our deeds. With the bodies of soldiers my borders drawn like scars. How can we understand? For that bush eats your tracks. In the dark bush as brothers and words. In the dark together we prayed for a tomorrow. Just one shot and your life was over. Are you calling to me? Are you calling me back to the "Border" my friend? Through the years, the world turned. When we were young, how would we have imagined this. Where are you now? Is you name retained on our walls? You were never honored and nobody will now. Write about your life and what you wanted. And at those walls I stand for hours. But where is your name now my friend? For understand, your soldiers perish. Without reason they carry the blame. And at those walls I stand for hours.

http://www.bokvanblerk.co.za

http://www.sa-soldier.com

 



 

 

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