When first introduced to the struggle of the black population of South Africa during Apartheid, one naturally feels pity, despair, and a sense of hopelessness; however, written within the pages of Mark Mathabane’s autobiography, Kaffir Boy, is not such a tale. Mark’s recollection of his life in Alexandra does detail the hopelessness experienced by the bantus of South Africa, but, moreover, it depicts the hope which Mark was able to utilize in order to work towards a better life. To Mark, who in his formative years did not see the value, education was a luxury he did not require. Despite her son’s unwillingness to attend school, her husband’s lack of support, and the financial strain she was under, through hard work and faith, Mark’s mother
