Rolfes Robert Reginald Dhlomo (1901–1971) was born in Siyamu, within what is today Kwazulu-Natal. He was a teacher, journalist and editor and he wrote in both isiZulu and English. One of his novels – An African Tragedy – was the first novel written in English by a Zulu writer. He wrote mostly about the history and leaders of the Zulus. He also wrote a number of short stories about the experiences of black mine workers on gold and diamond mines.

In ‘The Death of Masaba’, Dhlomo focuses on how racism and capitalism worked hand in hand during the early years of the South African economy. It is about a group of miners talking over the circumstances surrounding the severe injury and eventual death of a young miner, Masaba. It is a story that shows how mine bosses treated black miners as little more than units of labour to be used and then cast aside.

Be aware that this story displays a great deal of racism. Some of this is very obvious, as when it comes from the mouth of a white character. As you read, be on the lookout for examples of racism or paternalistic thinking which are less obvious. Sometimes they are included in the writer’s descriptions (not just what characters say) – an example is where Dhlomo speaks about the hard work miners did: “they did not mind it at all, for they had infinite trust in their masters”. He is being ironic here – saying one thing but meaning the opposite. There are plenty of examples like this one. Try to find as many as you can while reading.