In South Africa's gold-mining region is the subterranean dimension of the Zama Zama, illegal miners that make a living by mining the ore in both operational and abandoned mine shafts. "Zama Zama" is the personal narrative of two brothers: Malcolm, a successful businessman in the mining industry; and his long-lost brother Joseph, one of those who work in the underground tunnels--playing off against the tension of the mines' punitive actions against these miners. The plot revolves around moral choices: social standing and success versus loyalty to and love of family.