Summary

After the discovery of new gold mines, John Kumalo gives a public speech encouraging black laborers to demand their share of the nation’s wealth. John is a dynamic speaker who has the capacity to rouse a crowd to action, but he uses his power sparingly. John is afraid of losing his own small wealth and status so he never pushes his speeches too far. The police attend the speech, but they know that John has no intention of creating a dangerous situation. Kumalo and Msimangu listen to John’s speech, and Kumalo is shocked at his brother’s gift. Msimangu believes John’s corrupt pettiness is a better option than using his power to start a national race war. Separately, James Jarvis also listens to the speech, but he is less impressed. John Harrison, who accompanies him, thinks James is too old...