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The Anglo-Boer War is about to begin. The English — known disparagingly by the Boers as "Uitlanders" — are beginning to leave Johannesburg, some heading for the coast, others enlisting in the Imperial army.

Victor is called upon by Mr Warburton to represent him in a dispute at the mine, where the miners are threatening to strike because of violence to Sonwabo. Victor intervenes and appears to reach a decisive victory.

The Anglo-Boer War — today often referred to as the South African War — began in October 1899 and would rage on until March 1902.

There were many reasons for its outbreak but primary was the fact that the South African Republic (Transvaal Republic) had a wealth of gold which the British Empire wanted.

The majority opinion within the Empire — and this was echoed by Victor Drake — was that the war would be sharp and short, lasting just a few weeks and certainly no more than a month or two.

The war in fact lasted for over two years and caused great devastation to life on both sides of the conflict.

By August 1899 it was clear that war was inevitable. By September a wave of refugees began to leave the Transvaal, mostly women and children sent out of Johannesburg by their spouses. These refugees, believing that the war would be short, chose the coastal towns like East London for refuge.

When war broke out in October, many of the English men in Johannesburg also left. The majority went to join their wives and children at the coast, but many — like Victor Drake — chose to enlist in the Imperial Army.

For those who chose to stay in Johannesburg, life was difficult. The Boer Government did not trust them. Indeed, many were expelled in March the following year, and had no transport other than riding in cattle trucks, followed by a life of poverty until the war was over.

Others were herded into the mines and were forced — like Crispin — into harsh labour with little pay.

Have you looked at the questions
in the right column?

Read the notes in the left column before answering the questions below:

Why was Sonwabo being punished? With what consequences? (4)

[Need help?]

Sonwabo, if you would remember, was being used as a bride by the induna. It was a case of sodomy which obviously disgusted Sonwabo. Because of his resistance, however, he was sent underground but he was claustrophobic and could not work. He was therefore punished for not mining enough by having his meat rations docked.

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In what way is Victor apparently victorious? (5)

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In answering this question, you need to take note of the fact that the mine authorities would support each other because they were all guilty of enriching themselves in some way from the corrupt practices. Crispin quickly warned Victor to keep clear of the sodomy issue because that could only lead to Sonwabo's arrest, thereby causing the argument to be derailed and leading to a victory for the authorities. Victor therefore has to negotiate in a minefield — and appears to do so with aplomb. (What does he do?) It will all backfire on him, of course, as the authorities find a way of getting even with him through arresting Sonwabo for sodomy.

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Explain Crispin's help to Victor in the mine dispute. (4)

[Need help?]

Crispin's fluency in Xhosa was better than Victor's and so he was able to translate the subtleties of what the mine labourers were saying. He therefore quietly interpreted for Victor. He was also aware that the question of sodomy was a minefield which would have led to Sonwabo's instant arrest. He was therefore responsible for Victor's not exploring that issue.

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