THE MAYIBUYE READER (1937)

Publisher's illustrated wraps.

68pp. Illustrated.

"In memory of Johannes Nkosi, who was done to death by the rulers of South Africa at the pass-burning at Cartwright's Flats, on the Day of Dingaan, December 16, 1930."

In his prefatory note the editor explains that the aim of this booklet is to serve as a basic English reader "for the great number of Africans who have a burning desire for education and knowledge." Interesting, however, are the seeds of propaganda frequently found when casually perusing the passages, "The pass-law is bad. The old laws were good. A new pin is clean. . ." "The tin is open. A bee is dead. Passes are dirty."

"Black men and white men are living in Africa. The black man is still not free. Some white men are free. The man at the top makes much money. He keeps the money in the bank. He gives little to the men. The men are poor. He takes our land. Why do we let him? We give much work. Mr. Money Bag takes the good things. A great number of men come to Johannesburg and do work in the mines, or they go and do work on the farms. Men put food for the cows. The cows go to the food. They take it. The cows are fat. The men in the mines get a small bit of meat on Wednesdays and Sundays. Put the food in the tin. It is still warm. The way of the men in the mines is not soft. It is very hard work. Such work makes men thin."

A very scarce booklet that provides a valuable glimpse into the everyday and immediate realities of black South Africans of the 1930's. A basic reader, but fascinating reading.