This chapter comprises excerpts from the Setswana writings and addresses of Sol T Plaatje. In them, the reader may hear Plaatje's distinctive words and unique voice.

WRITINGS

From Koranta ea Becoana, October 1902: Kgama le Mogogoro (A double blow)

The Cape government showed the Batswana its kindhearted side by awarding the tribe compensation for damages incurred in the war. This last war is not the first fought by the nation; battles have been fought continuously, but not once was payment made, or people compensated. We are experiencing this for the first time in recent times. Some people received compensation for costs and damages incurred during the war but not all of them were happy about the reward. This may show lack of appreciation, but it should be understood that the nature of man is complex.

It is very distressing to see how the Tshidi1 allowed the seeds of trouble to be sown among their people by cheats (people who made false claims for compensation) going around advising people to send all kinds of letters about their grievances to the government. The government has done exceptionally well for its people, especially with this unprecedented gesture of war reparations. Readers of Koranta know that we ourselves spoke up eloquently in our English-language version in order to elect strong representatives to carry our grievances to Parliament. All our requests have been heard, but now, after promising compensation for damages, the government has failed to deliver reparations because dishonest people appeared with falsified documents to solemnly request compensation amounting in value to far above and beyond the net worth of our chiefs’ property. We know that we are well and truly ruined.

It is also distressing to observe the silence from our community and our leaders regarding matters of this nature. They are not trying to stop these shameless people from mortifying us and from cheating and lying. The community which allows its citizens to commit felonies will be in deep trouble. If our chiefs do not stand up to the rogues and cheats who break and enter, using cunning words, it means that those who bore the brunt of the war will suffer the most. Truly, if we permit anyone to tell lies in this manner what will be the outcome? Men utterly destroy us.