In fourteen chapters, Jacob Dlamini recounts critical events that defined the history of South Africa. The title, “Askari,” is a local dialect meaning collaborator. The novel’s aim is to dismantle mainstream beliefs of the apartheid rule and the struggle to attain a free and fair South Africa. Dlamini employs a more personal approach in his rendering by focusing on one character, Glory Sedibe.
Sedibe aka Comrade September was a militant for the outlawed African National Congress (ANC). After years of service to the group, Sedibe became a respected commander. In the year 1986, Sedibe was captured and tortured by the apartheid group. For reasons unknown to his comrades, Sedibe betrayed the ANC and divulged secret information about the group. He also took part in police raids and capturing of other ANC members.
In the book, however, Dlamini is convinced that there was more to Sedibe’s story. Dlamini believes people should not be quick to label Sedibe as a traitor. His reconstruction of Sedibe’s life and service to both the ANC and the apartheid regime brings into focus Sedibe’s motives and ambition. The book also dwells on other collaborators who were easily labeled as traitors by the ANC. According to Dlamini, men like Sedibe are not easily turned. Also, Sedibe had a wife and children he adored. Dlamini argues that Sedibe’s family was threatened and like any parent, he favored his family over his cause. The decision cost him his respect, honor, and trust.
As the book concludes, the author stresses the notion of betrayal. According to Dlamini, an individual should not be labeled a traitor without first determining the four truths; narrative, social, healing, and restorative. All these scenarios provide the necessary evidence to convict or label an individual.
