Mark Mathabane's Kaffir Boy

Mark Mathabane’s autobiography, Kaffir Boy, reveals the struggles of the blacks of apartheid in South Africa. In the author’s description of the horrific scenes in South Africa, he introduces many characters who impact his life both positively and negatively. One of the key positive characters is Mama, Mathabane’s mother. She exemplifies to the reader that although she is supportive and tough, she is not keen in revolutionizing South Africa to end apartheid. Throughout the plot, Mark’s mother is compassionate, supportive, and only desires the best for him. She does everything she can to protect, nourish, and clothe not only Mark, but his siblings as well. For example, Papa, Mathabane’s father, is detained and taken away from the family because his papers are not together. Since the family does not have access to any additional funds, Papa has to toil at a farm as a penalty. As days turn to weeks, the family lacks the money to pay the rent, the grocery store, and other necessities. Although Mama is not one who likes to work on a job, she swiftly accepts an …show more content…
The money is lost due to gambling or extraneous spending. For instance, Papa starts a beer business to obtain additional money. As time goes on, the business opportunity is cut short due to the numerous police raids. During this same time span, Mama gives birth again and the family is broke. Papa awakens Mama and asks her for bus fare because he gambled all his money. She replies to him and says that she has nothing. Papa then goes to Mark and demands for money; Mark denies him. At that moment it is realized that Papa “[…] lived for the moment because he was terrified of the future” (Mathabane 207). Mark respects his mother because she relentlessly endures the humiliation, maltreatment, and deprivation and persistently strives to provide for the