SIZWE BANSI IS DEAD (Book Review)

Sizwe Bansi is dead is a short play by Athol Fugard that depicts the indigents lives of the blacks during the golden days of apartheid regime in South Africa. The story begins with Styles reading a Newspaper in his Photoshop while also recounting his ordeal of having to work at Ford Motors, his former employer and how he eventually had to quit in other to become an established photographer whose shop happens to be next to a funeral parlour.

Styles further recounts the dignity of his profession, giving details narration of how he helps bring to life the dreams and pride of his folks, which the apartheid regime had successfully striped off. His monologue was eventually cut short by the intrusion of Roberts, who had come to take a photograph, which he intends to add to a letter that is to be sent to his wife back home. Following a series of events that is majorly characterised by a mastery use of flashback, the author then reveals that Robert’s true name is Sizwe Banzi but he had taken the identity of another man (The real Roberts) in other for him (Sizwe) to be able to live and work in the city. It’s a very short but interesting book with just about 44 pages.

What I find to be most interesting about this book is how Fugard was able to tell a beautiful story with very few words. In addition, his proficient use of flashback and symbolism is admirable, as he was able to effectively criticize the apartheid regime without necessarily pointing direct fingers or raising any government eyebrow. Lastly, the play also employs humour as a useful tool to get its message across. Sizwe Bansi is Dead remains one of the most artistic depiction of apartheid South Africa till today.

Review written by OLA OGUN