The true story of Sando Willemse, aka Samantha Fox, a black drag queen turned soldier
in the South African defence Force. And did she turn soldiers!
Sando perfected the art of dikvel - a real thick-skinned queen who never let life's
challenges get the better of him. Having survived, thrived and found a place in the
army, Sando was tested for HIV without his permission. His HIV+ status was disclosed
to his entire squad by the army command and he was summarily discharged from the army.
He turned to the road to survive, finding a new home and support from other drag queens
working Cape Town's streets. He died of HIV related complications in 1966 aged 22
years.
This docu-drama is narrated by Sando and blends interview and drama to provide testimony
to his courage and daring.
“The Third International Transgender Film and Video Festival Program.” London: Alchemy
Festival Productions, 1999. Personal Archives.
