Kaffir Boy

Always interesting how the RAs really enjoy reading books that focus on the struggles of an internationally-born young person.  Today’s favorite book is a true story (autobiography), focused on a young man born in South Africa during the days of Apartheid.  The book, Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane, chronicles the life challenges that he faces as a young black boy facing racism, poverty, and an environment where education is only for those who can afford it.  Mathabane was born in the town of Alexandra, the heart of the South African strife.  It is the constant pushing and prodding of his mother that provides Mark the ability to move in a different direction, getting an education, which proves his way of leaving his pre-determined environmental ending, to be in poverty.  The family barely gets by with the limited money Mark’s father brings home (or for his use on alcohol and gambling), but his mother, who is subjected to beatings from the father, finds a way to locate small amounts to attempt to fund school.  Mark shares his own personal struggles of hunger, insects covering his body at night, witnessing child abuse, and the blatant racism that Caucasian South Africans have towards black citizens.  It is through a position his grandmother receives working as a gardener for white people, the Smiths (of tennis fame) that opens a door for Mark that provides English books, clothes, and the knowledge to play a new sport (tennis!).  Through his hard work, Mark is one of very few black kids to get through elementary school and receive scholarships for high school (secondary school).  With the help of his tennis prowess, Mark is able to come to the states on a full academic scholarship.  Stan Smith, renowned tennis pro, takes Mark under his wing in teaching tennis and helping connect him to the US college tennis coaches.  The book is a great cultural-context read, especially for young adults, to learn about the Apartheid era and how racism controlled power and disparity between people.  To think that it is only thirty years ago, well… it’s frightening.  Lots of detail and personal sharing of one’s determination to change their life.  Uplifting and motivating.  A good read.