Africans is set in South Africa during the 1940's. It tells the story of a white family who grows up with Zulu servants and focuses on the bond formed between two sisters and one servant, named John. As the narrator and her sister Katie grow older, Katie develops a strong connection with John, but is ultimately betrayed by him in her adulthood.

In the opening of the story, the narrator says her mother prefers to have Zulu servants, because they are disciplined warriors. She finds them to be obedient, loyal workers. The Zulu society is built on loyalty. They have suffered through several bloody wars under autocratic rulers. The narrator's mother believes that they work harder then other servants. They don't get sick and never hesitate to perform what is asked of them. Zulus wake before dawn to clean the carpets, scrub the floor and...