The word kaffir comes from Arabic origin and means “infidel”. Used by most whites to refer to blacks, it is the equivalent of the term nigger. Members of the African Bantu-speaking peoples were often called “kaffirs”.

In writing his autobiography, Mathabane’s goal was to give the audience a real life encounter of his experiences, and paint a picture for readers that would make them understand just how much suffering blacks went through during apartheid. He also shows us how one can be successful and survive if they stand up for what they believe and have the confidence in them to accomplish something in their lives.

From the beginning to the end of his story, Mathabane discusses and depicts the terrible toll of apartheid on the lives of individuals. Apartheid develop

Another event that occurred during apartheid was the Bantu Education Act. It was this act that said all black schools had to teach courses in Afrikaans instead of English (259). Mathabane’s mother knew that having an education would lead him to a better life. Mathabane was determined to learn English because he knew it was crucial to be somewhat “accepted” in the white world (193). He also knew that literacy was necessary in the liberation struggle. This knowledge was heightened with the Soweto riots on June 16, 1976, where about ten thousand students marched through the streets protesting the Afrikaans decree (259). As he watched a library burn, Mathabane just couldn’t understand why they would “burn the only thing that taught one to believe in the future, to fight for one’s right to live in freedom and dignity?” (285). At one time he wondered if he should quit school and become a fighter. During this time police power intensified, causing the rebellion to be largely contained. The government ended up announcing that it was no longer mandatory for black schools to teach in Afrikaans. However, they were offered excuses as to why it should be taught (270).

Kaffir Boy

Some topics in this essay:
Education Act, Frensch Verwoerd, South Africa, African Bantu-speaking, Sometimes Afrikans, South Africa’s, Kaffir Boy, Mark Mathabane, south africa, Advancing British, influx control, mathabane’s mother, schools teach, european nations, black schools, , kaffir boy, black schools teach,