Askari is an Arabic word meaning soldier. The meaning, however, differs in South Africa, the word Askari was used to identify members of the resistance group ANC who switched loyalties and became an informant for the apartheid regime. In South Africa, Askaris are quickly regarded as traitors without any consideration as to why they betrayed something they had devoted their lives to. The author, Jacob Dlamini uses his book to tell a story of betrayal but from a different angle. In his book, Dlamini focuses on one man, Glory Sedibe, one of ANC’s finest militants who switched after being arrested and tortured.
Sedibe was a much-respected member of the ANC, even by his enemies. He was a man of honor hailed for his courage, wit, and loyalty. During the nine years he worked for the ANC, he gained the trust and loyalty of his fellow militants. According to many of his friends, Sedibe was a genius and a true patriot to their cause. Sedibe had a wife and daughter whom he rarely saw. His wife, however, recognized the devotion to his cause. Sedibe would go for weeks and at times months without coming due to the discreet nature of his work.
After his arrest, all members of the ANC were convinced Sedibe would never sell them out. They trusted their comrade’s devotion. However, hours after his arrest and torture, Sedibe gave in forever losing his respect and earning the name Askari. Members of the ANC rejected him for his betrayal without asking what went on behind those closed doors where he was held. It was later revealed that aside from the torture, Sedibe’s family was threatened. He was devoted to his cause but his family’s safety meant everything to him. With this revelation, Dlamini asserts that betraying one's beliefs is not always black and white as many people love to believe, it is much more complicated and painful for the individual in question.
