Kaffir Boy Sparknotes

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Recommended: Important examples of racism

In Mark Mathabane’s autobiography named Kaffir Boy, Mathabane tells the tale of the many injustices that occurred to him in his home country on the way to developing into the man he is today. Mathabane grew up in South Africa during an apartheid system that was brutal and unwavering in its hope to break the souls of its black citizens. The problems that arise become evident as Mathabane talks about them himself growing up and being confused by the atrocious actions perpetrated by the people who had been supposed to protect him. Mathabane’s life experiences are a representation of many trails that many low class Africans faced in their everyday lives. His ability to capture these moments and make them available to the rest of the world has made him into the great figure he is today. In Kaffir Boy …show more content…

This act was in order to segregate races from each other and was quite effective. Under this legislature made sexual relations and marriage between white and black South Africans illegal. It also gave 80 percent of its land to the white citizens of South Africa. Black South Africans also were required to to carry papers that allowed them to be in certain areas. This affected Mathabane as both of his parents did not have these papers which also made it illegal for either of his parents to find good work. Because of this they were left to find jobs that did not require the papers or work illegally as his mom and dad both did. The apartheid system almost held back Mathabane from starting his career as a tennis player as well. Without the help from Wilfred Horn, Mathabane would have been unable to play at the Tennis Ranch. Later in life it created many problems while he was trying to advance in tennis. Mathabane was unable to compete in white only competition and practice at white-only facilities. Mathabane was able to overcome this segregation was opened doors for other black

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