Native Life in South Africa

Sol Plaatje

"Native Life in South Africa" is a seminal work by Sol Plaatje, providing a poignant and insightful portrayal of the lived experiences of indigenous people in South Africa during the early 20th century. Plaatje, a prominent South African intellectual and activist, offers a firsthand account of the social, political, and economic challenges faced by Black communities under colonial rule. Through vivid storytelling and astute observation, he exposes the injustices of the apartheid system, including land dispossession, forced labor, and racial discrimination. Plaatje's narrative captures the resilience and dignity of the indigenous peoples amidst oppression, while also shedding light on their cultural heritage and aspirations for equality and freedom. "Native Life in South Africa" remains a significant historical document, serving as a testament to the struggles and resilience of South Africa's indigenous populations and contributing to the ongoing dialogue on social justice and human rights.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Contents
• Who Is The Author?
• Prologue
• I. A Retrospect
• II. The Grim Struggle Between Right And Wrong, And The Latter Carries The Day
• III. The Natives’ Land Act
• IV. One Night With The Fugitives
• V. Another Night With The Sufferers
• VI. Our Indebtedness To White Women
• VII. Persecution Of Coloured Women In The Orange Free State
• VIII. At Thaba Ncho: A Secretarial Fiasco
• IX. The Fateful 13
• X. Dr. Abdurahman, President Of The A.P.O. - Dr. A. Abdurahman, M.P.C.
• XI. The Natives’ Land Act In Cape Colony
• XII. The Passing Of Cape Ideals
• XIII. Mr. Tengo-Jabavu, The Pioneer Native Pressman
• XIV. The Native Congress And The Union Government
• XV. The Kimberley Congress - The Kimberley Conference
• XVI. The Appeal For Imperial Protection
• XVII. The London Press And The Natives’ Land Act
• XVIII. The P.S.A. And Brotherhoods
• XIX. Armed Natives In The South African War
• XX. The South African Races And The European War
• XXI. Coloured People’s Help Rejected - The Offer Of Assistance By The South African Coloured Races Rejected
• XXII. The South African Boers And The European War
• XXIII. The Boer Rebellion
• XXIV. Piet Grobler
• Epilogue
• Report Of The Lands Commission
• Some Opinions Of The Press On The First Edition