Louis Botha
Louis was the first appointed British governor of South Africa at the beginning of the 20th century. He fought as a soldier in the Boer wars, conflicts after which the country South Africa became ruled by the British empire and he distinguished himself as a great politician and strategist. Louis is criticized for having pushed for harsh measures against the African people and for enslaving and taking advantage of them. He is portrayed here as being the perfect representative for the British government and for its policies. He is also used here to criticize the British government and its actions against the people in South Africa.
Jan Christiaan Smuts
Smuts was the second South African governor and was a vocal supporter of the segregation policies which oppressed the black population in South Africa. The fact that Smuts saw the black population as inferiors is clearly stated in the book and the narrator also includes a few quotes to support this idea. His influence s described in the book at great lengths, the focus being the way in which his attitude influenced negatively the lives of the African people.
Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi was an Indian lawyer and anti-colonial nationalist who was also one of Jan Christiaan Smuts's most public and vocal opponents. Gandhi lived for more than 20 years in South Africa and he experienced first-hand the racism which dominated the country. The time Gandhi spent in South Africa was extremely important to him because it marked the beginning of his political career and of his activism.
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was one of the most influential anti-apartheid leaders and also the first elected president of South Africa. Mandela is used here to represent the anti-apartheid ideal and also to suggest that his example should be followed by everyone who wants to fight oppression. He is hailed for his peaceful approach and also for his political savviness which eventually leads to the freedom of the South African people.
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria is the only monarch mentioned in the book, even though South Africa was colonized by the British by her son and successor, George VI. However, Queen Victoria is seen as an important royal member who paved the way for the British conquests. As such, she is seen as being the one responsible for all the suffering caused by the British empire in South Africa, not George VI.
The tribe leaders
The South African tribe leaders are described in the book as a group, all sharing the same basic qualities and characteristics. No names are given here but the narrator describes these tribe leaders as wise and just men, interested in the well-being of their tribe. They are also portrayed as always seeking the greater good, an idea that contrasts with the way in which the British leaders are portrayed.
