Mine Boy

Xuma is from the north. He comes to live in Maylay Camp, a township near Johannesburg, so that he can work in the mine. The job is very hard but Xuma is strong and learns quickly.

Xuma is lonely in Maylay Camp. He desperately wants Eliza's love but she wants the comforts of a white man's life. Xuma cannot give her these things, for he is black.

Maisy is a simple, happy girl. She loves Xuma very much. Will Xuma overcome his desire for Eliza and accept Maisy's love?

Introduction 4

1 Leah’s Place 7

2 The Way of the City 11

3 Eliza 15

4 Xuma the Mine Boy 23

5 Maisy and Eliza 31

6 The Red One’s Woman 35

7 At Leah’s Place Again 41

8 The Trip to Hoopvlei 46

9 Other People’s Trouble 51

10 Eliza and Xuma 56

11 Dladla is Dead 62

12 The Death of a Good Man 66

13 Sadness for Xuma 70

14 The Trap 72

15 Paddy Tries to Understand 77

16 ‘We Are Men’ 79



Points for Understanding 84

Glossary 89

1 Terms to do with life in South Africa 89

2 Terms to do with gold-mining 90

3 Metaphors and similes 90

4 Terms of abuse 91

5 Idiomatic speech 92

6 Expressions involving the word ‘eyes’92

7 General 92

List of titles at Upper Level 95