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Book abstract (English)
The story takes place in the Eastern Cape, in what was formerly known as the homeland of the Ciskei. Ncedile Saule, the author, reveals police violence during the apartheid era. The story itself contains factually accurate historical facts about the political situation in this time and place. The author shows us ordinary people being victimised by the apartheid police and system. The author extends the complexity of this story by covering social factors which equally influence and are influenced by those political surroundings. Characters in this book are affected by the political situation whether they are politically active or not.
The whole conflict in this book is triggered by love. Two best friends find themselves in the crossfire over a girl. Afrika, who is one of the leading characters, takes advantage of his professional position and current situation in the Ciskei and uses it to destroy his competitor and former best friend, Buyile. In this duel, Buyile suffers a great loss and ends up in one of the highest security apartheid prisons, Robben Island. Buyile spends years in prison, while Afrika enjoys life with Boniswa, who was Buyile’s girlfriend at the time of his arrest.
The author takes this opportunity to explain prison life on Robben Island and life in general in the Ciskei. We learn more about police brutality, people’s rebellion and strategies to overthrow the government and change the system. Buyile tries to stay strong in prison, however, he does not stop talking about revenge. Afrika, on the other hand, is getting on very well with his boss and colleagues. He is one of the black people who supported and worked for the apartheid system. He gets many promotions at work and becomes wealthy and a very important man in his field. His success comes from betraying his friends and his people.
Things do not go well for Buyile for a long time. In prison, he loses one of his favourite comrades. On the other hand, Afrika does not go home to his wife, Boniswa and BK, their son, as often as he is supposed to. Eventually he gets married to another woman and completely leaves his home. Boniswa learns that BK is not Afrika’s son, but Buyile’s. At this time Boniswa, who never loved Afrika from day one, files for divorce. Political prisoners are released. Buyile returns home to his family.
Things are now getting better for black people, negotiations for freedom are taking place around the country. Buyile is one of the active comrades in these negotiations. He does not stop thinking about revenge. When he is about to avenge Afrika, Afrika dies in a car accident. By the end of the book, Buyile, Boniswa and their son are re-united.