Isaac
There is a reference in the first section of the poem to the biblical story of Isaac and Abraham. His is a test of faith, a false sacrifice. After praying for a son for years, Abraham is asked to sacrifice his only son Isaac to the Lord. He goes all the way until he's holding the knife, and God changes his mind. He accepts a lamb instead of the boy's life.
The wife
Another important figure is the wife. She is an allegorical figure, representing the remnants of traditional values. Described as "your wife," she is an accusatory character. Overtly sexualized in her description, she represents the old values as she waits for her cheating husband to return home late.
Tarzan
"Soweto" includes a reference to Tarzan. He is the character who shapes the globe's view of Africa in the early twentieth century, with the arrival of television. A white-washed savage who yells and swings from trees, he serves to paint an inexcusably primitive image of the entire continent.
Jah
"Jah" is the Massai word for the Hebrew God Yahweh. He figures throughout the poem in biblical allusions. Hebrew religion has roots in the Rastifari of Ethiopia, so naturally Yahweh plays an important role in the history of South Africa. He is the moral guidance, the admonisher of the unfaithful, lustful people.
The woman
"The woman" lives in a shack across the sea, possibly on an island. During the decolonization of the mid nineteenth century, she represents those who chose to escape the bloodshed of the time. With her herb, her pipe, and her tea she lives a solitary lifestyle, in peace. The youth come to visit her, desiring her secret and her herb.
Sheba
The Queen of Sheba makes a quick appearance. She hails from Ethiopia. In the Bible she visit the King of Israel, Solomon. The Rastafari believe she later bore Solomon's son, who became the predecessor of the prophesied Messiah. They believe the Messiah was their prime minister, Selassie.
Patrice Lumumba
Lumumba was the leader of the revolution in Congo. He became the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo. After a mutiny within his government, he was executed by firing squad by his own government officials.
Dedan Kimathi
Kimathi led the Mau Mau Uprising against Britain in Kenya. In 1957, he was captured by the British, castrated, and executed. He didn't see the revolution succeed, but eventually Kenya won its freedom. Kimathi was commemorated as a hero with a statue in 2007 and an honorable mention in the 2010 constitution.
