Native Life in South Africa 1916 PDF
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Uploaded by PlayfulGamelan
Stellenbosch University
1916
Solomon Plaatje
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Summary
This document details a prologue from a book by a South African native workingman, describing his experiences documenting the hardships faced by South Africans under the 1913 Natives' Land Act. The author recounts historical injustices, financial struggles, and discrimination, highlighting the challenges of natives during that time period. It provides insights into political and social contexts of South Africa.
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PLAATJE 1916 Plaatje, S. (1916). Native Life in South Africa. SUMMARY: The text is a prologue from a book written by a South African native workingman. He describes his personal quest to document the hardships faced by South African natives under the Natives' Land Act of 1913. The act restricted na...
PLAATJE 1916 Plaatje, S. (1916). Native Life in South Africa. SUMMARY: The text is a prologue from a book written by a South African native workingman. He describes his personal quest to document the hardships faced by South African natives under the Natives' Land Act of 1913. The act restricted native land ownership, leading to evictions and difficulties for natives, showcasing the injustice and discrimination they faced. The author highlights the financial struggles he endured to investigate and report on these issues across different regions of South Africa, acknowledging the support received from friends and individuals who helped provide information. By recounting the historical context of discriminatory policies and political dynamics in South Africa, the text sheds light on the complexities surrounding native land rights, government actions, and racial tensions, illustrating the challenges faced by natives under oppressive legislation. Through personal anecdotes and observations, the author appeals for support in repealing such unjust laws, emphasizing the plight of the black population who faced discrimination, exploitation, and unequal treatment in a society dominated by colonial powers and racial prejudices. The text reflects on the author's journey to document the struggles of South African natives, revealing the systemic inequalities, hardships, and injustices prevalent in the country during that period. KEY POINTS: The author presents his work as a narrative of the struggles faced by South African natives due to the Natives' Land Act of 1913. Personal observations in various regions of South Africa inform the author's account. Financially supported by different individuals for research trips across South Africa, providing insights into the impact of the law. The text critiques the Natives' Land Act, highlighting its negative consequences on the native population. Legal intricacies and injustices of the Act are discussed, such as restrictions on land ownership and the eviction of natives. The narrative underlines the oppressive nature of the Act on the lives of South African natives, focusing on their hardships and unfair treatment. The historical context post the Union of South African Colonies and the shift in policies towards natives are explored. There is a contrast drawn between the harmonious relationships between different races pre-Act and the turmoil caused by the legislation. The political environment, influence of racial extremists, and division between Dutch and English stakeholders in South Africa are highlighted. The narrative emphasizes the financial exploitation of natives, the dismissal of General Hertzog, and the discriminatory practices implemented by the government. NAMES, DATES, AND PLACES: Author: Not specified in the provided text Setting: South Africa, including Transvaal, Orange Free State, Province of the Cape of Good Hope Time period: Early 20th century around 1913 Mr. W.Z. Fenyang: Friend who offered transportation and support during the author's inquest Mr. J.M. Nyokong: Friend who assisted with expenses for a visit to the Cape Mr. CS. Saul Msane: Organizer for the South African Native National Congress Mr. Dube: President of the South African Native National Congress Mr. WD. Soga: Accompanied the author on part of his journey to the Cape Mr. Attorney Msimang: Provided information on the evictions due to the Natives' Land Act Lord Gladstone: Signed the Natives' Land Act in June 1913 Author referencing bacon and the 'South African war of extermination': Unknown Author referencing The Song of Songs: Unknown Genenal Hertzog: Minister of Native Affairs that was dismissed Rt. Hon. Abraham Fischer: Speaker who delivered an undignified speech in Bethlehem Chief Dinizulu-ka-Cetywayo: Released from imprisonment by Hon. H. Burton POSSIBLE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS: Who wrote the book "Native Life in South Africa" in 1916? Solomon Plaatje wrote the book "Native Life in South Africa" in 1916. In what year did the author undertake a visit to the Cape with the support of Mr. J.M. Nyokong? The author undertook a visit to the Cape with the support of Mr. J.M. Nyokong in 1913. What law significantly impacted the South African natives as described in the text? The Natives' Land Act of 1913 significantly impacted the South African natives, as described in the text. Who provided additional information on the evictions resulting from the Natives' Land Act? Mr. Attorney Msimang provided additional information on the evictions resulting from the Natives' Land Act. What term was used in the text to refer to British Indians in a contemptuous manner? "Coolie" was used in the text to refer to British Indians in a contemptuous manner. CREATE A TEST WITH ANSWERS: Bibliography reference IN HARVARD STYLE