Unlock a deeper understanding of My Children! My Africa! with this detailed scene-by-scene analysis. This summary breaks down each scene, highlighting key themes like freedom, apartheid, and generational conflict. Perfect for exam preparation or anyone wanting a clearer grasp of the play's themes a...
Apartheid South Africa in 1984. Most action takes place at Zolile High School in
a Black township called Brakwater.
Characters
Mr M (Anela Myalatya): A 57-year-old Black teacher at Zolile High is
devoted to education and believes it can help end apartheid. A follower
of Confucius, he values morality and debate but is authoritative and
rejects opposing political views. During school boycotts, he refuses to
leave, continuing his duties until he is killed by comrades.
Isabel Dyson: 18 years old. A smart and adaptable White girl from
Camdeboo. After debating Thami at Zolile High, she realizes her naivety
about apartheid. Though sheltered, she is a critical thinker and forms a
friendship with Thami, getting involved in the Brakwater debate. She is
caring; unafraid to stand up to her parents, and finds herself between
Thami and Mr. M during their conflict over how to address apartheid.
Thami Mbikwana: A 19-year-old student at Zolile High is smart,
outspoken, and defiant. He rejects Mr. M’s authority, believing in radical
action against apartheid. Though a natural leader, he joins the
comrades, convinced education alone can't fight apartheid.
Rev Mbopa: He owns a house where Mr. M rents a backroom.
Miss Brockway: school principal of Camdeboo Girls High School.
Mr and Mrs Dyson: Isabel’s parents. Mr Dyson is a chemist/ pharmacist,
and Mrs Dyson works at her husband’s pharmacy.
Samuel: works for the Dyson family as a deliveryman at the Karoo
Pharmacy. He is a Zionist.
Auntie: Dyson’s domestic worker.
, Mr David Grobbelaar/Oom Dawie: a school inspector of Bantu Education
Administration.
Mr Pienaar: mayor of Camdeboo.
Sipho Fondini: During the boycott, he writes “Liberation frst, education
later” and asks Mr. M if the spelling is correct.
Stephen Gaika: is a learner at Zolile High School and is Thami’s
classmate.
Renee Vermas and Cathy Bullard: learners at Camdeboo Girls High
School. They are also in the debating team that goes with Isabel to Zolile
High School.
Lucille Dyson: Isabel’s elder sister. She works at her father’s pharmacy
(Karoo Pharmacy).
Mrs Magada: a teacher at Zolile High school.
Stephen Gaika: a learner at Zolile High School and is Thami’s classmate.
Mrs Makhathini: sells vetkoeks on the street to people waiting for the
bus.
Captain Lategan: a police officer who receives the names of the political
action committee from Mr M.
Character traits
Mr M
Stubborn.
Old-fashioned.
Opposed to violence.
Isabel Dyson
Strong personality.
Intelligent.
Loyal to Mr M and Thami.
Thami Mbikwana
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