CURRICULUM GRADE 10 -12 DIRECTORATE

NCS (CAPS)

ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE

GRADE 11
TEACHER SUPPORT DOCUMENT FOR TSOTSI

JUST IN TIME (JIT) PROGRAMME

MAY 2023

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 CONTENTS PAGE

CONTENT PAGE NUMBER

1 Acknowledgements 3
2 Rationale 4
3 Lesson Plans 5-16
4 Elements of a Novel 17
5 Chapter Summaries 19-25
6 Character Sketches 26 -28
7 Literary Essay Marking Guidelines 29-32
8 Contextual Questions Marking Guidelines 33-35
9 Answers to Tsotsi questions 36-39
10 References 40

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 JIT RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT TEAM – MAY 2023

TEAM NAME SCHOOL DISTRICT

GRADE 10 – 12 Nisha Singh SES Amajuba District
LANGUAGE IN CONTEXT Vembuli Sewmangal Dundee High School Umzinyathi
GRADE 10 POETRY Padmani Nasaree Stanger Secondary Ilembe
Dillon Naidoo Harding Secondary Ugu
Bivaash Ramroop Stanger High School Ilembe
Meloshnee Pillay Mountview Secondary Pinetown
GRADE 11 POETRY Rodelle Govender Maritzburg College Umgungundlovu
Yovana Naidoo Linpark High School Umgungundlovu
Kumreshni Pather Kharwastan Secondary Umlazi
Nonkululeko Gumede Maritzburg College Umgungundlovu
GRADE 11 NOVEL Sunitha Singh Amanzimtoti High Umlazi
TSOTSI Monica Ramraj Merebank Secondary Umlazi
Kavitha Pillai Umbilo Secondary Umlazi
GRADE 12 POETRY Morgan Moodley Savannah Park Umlazi
Secondary
Riona K Ramsugit Roseville Secondary Ugu
Nayan Morar Ladysmith Secondary Uthukela
Shirelle Daniel Durban High School Umlazi
Philile Kunene Aquadene Secondary King Cetshwayo
Shameem Jaffer Palmview Secondary Pinetown
GRADE 12 NOVEL Radeshree Naicker Protea Secondary Umlazi
LIFE OF PI Renita Maharaj Effingham Secondary Umlazi
Risha Gowthum- Westville Boys’ High Pinetown
Seebadri
Sandhia Ganesh Northwood Boys’ High Umlazi

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 RATIONALE
This teacher booklet aims to guide teachers with the teaching of Tsotsi. It provides
lesson plans with a variety of teaching methodologies which are mediated by offering
supportive guidelines to facilitate the teaching of the novel in Grade 11.

The aim of this booklet is to equip teachers in engaging with Tsotsi.

The booklet will provide guidance to the educator in addressing the areas of concern
and equip educators with the necessary skills needed to understand the text and
facilitate an in-depth understanding amongst learners.
The lesson plans should be used in conjunction with the following:
- Learner Booklet – JIT May 2023; and
- PowerPoints which have been uploaded onto Google Drive [see link below].

*PowerPoints may be accessed from the Google Drive link

below:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1waDepXB_yIs7P_Og9QTdVrSWBOrGlOBf?usp=share_link

Email address: kznenglishhome@gmail.com

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 LESSON PLAN : TSOTSI
GRADE 11 SUBJECT ENGLISH HL WEEK SKILL Listening and visual literacy
ASPECT/ Novel TOPIC Introduction to the
GENRE Tsotsi novel.

DATE DURATION 2 HOURS DATE COMPLETED

LESSON OBJECTIVES ✔ Learners listen to the original soundtrack from the movie – mood /atmosphere .
✔ Learners analyse the cover of the novel – characterisation.
✔ Describe the setting.
✔ View power point slides (picture of characters from the movie)

TEACHER ACTIVITIES
Pre-stage/introduction
Stimulate interest about the book,
motivate learners to read.
Play the song ‘Mdlwembe’
Artist: Zola
Genre : Kwaito
Rest of the music from the movie
soundtrack – ‘Tsotsi’
can play in the background while
learners are studying the pictures
on the characters.
METHODOLOGY
LEARNER ACTIVITIES
Listen to the song and write
words that come to mind.
● Answer the following
questions:
● How does the music make
you feel?
● What kind of characters do
you think would be in a
movie with this kind of
music?
● Look at the cover of the
book, does the music relate
to the cover? Explain.
● Describe the characters we
are likely to meet. Where
would such a story be set?
TIME RESOURCES NEEDED
30 minutes
To play video use a cellular phone connected
to a speaker or a boom box.
Video can be downloaded from youtube .
● Educator to draw up a worksheet
with questions about mood / setting
and character/ alternatively write
questions on the board.
● Learners must have copies of the
novel .
Learners can work independently or in a
group.

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During –stage / main body
● Use the pictures in the power point
● Focus on character analysis
● Setting
Post-Stage Conclusion:
Teacher introduces the story.
Give learners a brief synopsis.
Discuss the characters in the gang.
https://youtu.be/avRNBSLC2q0
Enrichment/expanded opportunities
● Write two questions based on
characters on the board for
learners to complete as
homework.
Name of Teacher: _______________________
Sign: _________________________________
Date: _________________________________
● Analyse the pictures shown by 30minutes ● Power point – pictures from the
the teacher in the power point movie.
slides. ● Refer to the power point slide on the
● Describe the setting. author.
● Describe each character.
30 minutes
Learners must compare their
description to the description given
by the teacher.
30 minutes
● Write a paragraph about the
“apartheid era”.
● Write down ten sentences on what
do you think it was like to live as a
black person under the apartheid
regime?
DH: _______________________________
Sign: ______________________________
Date_______________________________
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 LESSON PLAN : TSOTSI
GRADE 11 SUBJECT ENGLISH HL WEEK SKILL Role play / reading and viewing
ASPECT/ Novel TOPIC Chapters One and
GENRE Tsotsi Two

DATE DURATION 3 HOURS DATE COMPLETED

LESSON OBJECTIVES ✔ Complete character sketches

✔ Focus on Setting
✔ Gumboot Dhlamini – relevance
✔ Soekie’s shebeen – presence of Rosie
✔ Boston’s beating

METHODOLOGY
TEACHER ACTIVITIES LEARNER ACTIVITIES TIME RESOURCES NEEDED
● Pre- stage/ introduction LEARNER ACTIVITY 30 minutes
● Draw up a diagram for learners to ● Learners must read important
plot character traits . paragraphs and make a note of ● Novel
important quotes. ● Learner activity book

● During stage/ main body 40 minutes

Teacher to read important points from

chapters one and two .
● Focus on Gumboot in Chapter
one.
● Why does the writer give us such
a detailed description?
● Why Rosie?
● Focus on the word “decency’.
● Tsotsi whispers in the dying
man’s ear? Why?
● Look at the style of the writer:

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 Why are there vulgarities and
sexual references?
• Teacher needs to draw up
questions on Chapters One and
Two.
● Read out learners’ character traits
that they have built up whilst working
with chapter one and two.

● Short informal test Learners quizzed on chapters one and 20minutes Written test
two

1. Post-Stage Conclusion: Learners can act out the scene between 60 minutes
Boston and Tsotsi that takes place at
● Introduce role play Soekie’s shebeen .

2. Enrichment/expanded 30 minutes Refer to learner handbook for

opportunities Learners must answer questions on activities.
chapter one and two.

Name of Teacher: _______________________ DH: _______________________________

Sign: _________________________________ Sign: ______________________________
Date: _________________________________ Date_______________________________

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 LESSON PLAN : TSOTSI
GRADE 11 SUBJECT ENGLISH HL WEEK SKILL Essay writing- literary essay
ASPECT/ Novel TOPIC Chapters Three and
GENRE Tsotsi Four

DATE DURATION 3 HOURS DATE COMPLETED

LESSON OBJECTIVES ✔ Summarise chapters three and chapter four

✔ Learners are taught how to write a literature essay
METHODOLOGY
TEACHER ACTIVITIES LEARNER ACTIVITIES TIME RESOURCES NEEDED
60
● Pre –stage/ introduction minutes
● Teacher must summarise salient ● Learners must be able to identify ● Copy of the novel
points important quotations. ● Learner handbook
● Highlight important quotes. ● Focus on the idea of fate. ● Refer to learner handbook –
● The initial impact of the baby question one : ‘Explain in a detailed
essay of 350 -400 why Tsotsi is
afraid of Boston…’
60
● During stage / main body ● Learner must break down the minutes
● Refer to learner handbook and question
teach learners the stages of writing
● Plan – spider diagram / mindmap
a literary essay.
● Focus on the writing process. ● Ensure that the introduction focuses
● The identification of key points in on the question.
the question i.e breaking down of
the question.
● Paragraphing
● PEEL method
• Assist learners with unpacking the
topic.
• Learners must be taught how to
write a relevant and sound
introduction, well-substantiated

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 points in the body and a
substantive conclusion.
• Teach learners how to engage with
the topic at all times to prevent
them from just summarising the
text.
Post-Stage Conclusion: 60
minutes
Teacher can assist learners by editing the • Learners to do practice essay.
mindmap and introduction. Give learners
guidance and motivation.

Enrichment/expanded
opportunities Homework: complete the essay.

Name of Teacher: _______________________ DH: _______________________________

Sign: _________________________________ Sign: ______________________________
Date: _________________________________ Date_______________________________

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GRADE 11 SUBJECT ENGLISH HL
ASPECT/ Novel TOPIC Chapters five to
GENRE Tsotsi seven
DATE DURATION
LESSON OBJECTIVES
TEACHER ACTIVITIES
Pre- stage / introduction
● Summarise important points
● Focus on power point –
symbolism.
● Focus on the baby’s impact
on Tsotsi and the gang.
● Discussion Morris
Tshabalala’s character.
During – stage / Main Body
● Important questions must be drawn
up for discussion:
● Tsotsi’s disinterest in the gang
● Butcher’s teasing of the lady –
sparks an idea in Tsotsi.
LESSON PLAN : TSOTSI
WEEK SKILL Reading and viewing / transactional writing
4 HOURS DATE COMPLETED
✔ Summarising chapters five, six and seven
✔ Focus on the symbolism / motifs
✔ Dialogue
✔ Obituary
METHODOLOGY
LEARNER ACTIVITIES TIME RESOURCES NEEDED
• Learners should read chapters 5 and 6 60 ● Learner booklet
before coming to class. minutes ● Educator booklet
• Identify important points / discuss / ● Rubrics on Dialogue and
clarify. obituary
● Powerpoint on symbolism
● Learners must discuss how the 60
dynamics of the gang is changing. minutes
● Discuss Tsotsi’s reaction to Morris
Tshabalala and discuss how his
character is slowly evolving.
● Look at different perspectives.
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 ● Morris the beggar – symbolism :
this bent and broken man
symbolises the final reality to life.
● The beggar links to the yellow dog.
● Tsotsi’s awkward questions
● Morris realises that he is afraid to
die and actually wants to live.
Post-Stage Conclusion: 60
● Interlink : • Learners must complete the dialogue minutes
● Focus on formats of and obituary in class .
dialogue and obituary.
● Give topics to learners e.g
Write the dialogue between
Miriam and Tsotsi.

Write the obituary for Gumboot

Dhlamini as per topic in learners’
booklet.
Enrichment /expanded opportunities 60 ● Learners can refer to the
● Answer questions given on Minutes learner booklet to answer
● Draw up questions on each chapter FIVE, SIX AND questions on each chapter.
chapter for learners. SEVEN
● This helps learners to
remember the plot whilst
actively working with the
text.

Name of Teacher: _______________________ DH: _______________________________

Sign: _________________________________ Sign: ______________________________
Date: _________________________________ Date_______________________________

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 LESSON PLAN : TSOTSI
GRADE 11 SUBJECT ENGLISH HL WEEK SKILL Reading and viewing / speaking and discussing
ASPECT/ Novel TOPIC Chapters Eight and
GENRE Tsotsi Nine

DATE DURATION 4 HOURS DATE COMPLETED

LESSON OBJECTIVES ✔ Identifying the climax

TEACHER ACTIVITIES
Pre- stage / introduction
● Re-cap what learners have
read.
● Highlight Miriam Ngidi’s
character.
✔ Working on contextuals
✔ Unpacking question types
METHODOLOGY
LEARNER ACTIVITIES TIME RESOURCES NEEDED
60
● Learners must read the minutes
relevant chapters. ● Power point on the plot structure
● Learners’ booklet
● Educator booklet

60
During stage / Main body minutes
● Chapter 8 – Tsotsi finds the baby in
a bad condition. Is he responsible?
● Chapter 8 – in his desperation he
forces Miriam to feed the baby.
What are the implications?
● Teachers are to expand on
questioning for discussion.
● Chapter 9 – Climax – his past is
revealed – discuss.
● Focus on the effects of apartheid
on David’s family.
● Focus on Simon – how is he a
victim?

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● Are their stories any different from
Gumboot’s ? Discuss.

Post-Stage Conclusion: Refer to the learner booklet and work with 60 Refer to the learner booklet on how to
extracts and contextual questions . minutes unpack question types.
● Work with extracts and
contextual questions.
Review how to interpret
questions.

Enrichment/expanded opportunities 60
● Learners must complete contextual minutes Memorandum for contextual questions – refer
questions from the learner booklets. to the teacher guide.
After learners complete the
contextual questions – review and
discuss / remediate.

Name of Teacher: _______________________ DH: _______________________________

Sign: _________________________________ Sign: ______________________________
Date: _________________________________ Date_______________________________

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 LESSON PLAN : TSOTSI
GRADE 11 SUBJECT ENGLISH HL WEEK SKILL Reading and viewing
ASPECT/ Novel TOPIC Chapter Ten
GENRE Tsotsi Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve

DATE DURATION 9 HOURS DATE COMPLETED

LESSON OBJECTIVES ✔ Themes

✔ Denouement
✔ Resolution
METHODOLOGY
TEACHER ACTIVITIES LEARNER ACTIVITIES TIME RESOURCES NEEDED
Pre- stage / introduction 1 hour
● Reinforce the summaries of these ● Learners can be involved in reading 30min
chapters. aloud – SBA (unprepared reading). ● Novels
● Learner booklet
During –stage / main body 4 hours
● Focus on the dénouement. ● Get into groups for discussion.
● Focus on the resolution. ● Discuss the questions given by the
● How has the baby been a talisman
educator.
to Tsotsi?
● Is the baby a catalyst for change? ● Different groups will discuss
● Why name the baby David ? different chapters.
Symbolism? ● Once discussion is completed,
● Miriam’s request - discuss learners will provide feedback to
● Boston – his story the rest of the class.
● Redemption – Boston , Isaiah ● By the end of the discussion
● Tsotsi’s smile
session, learners would have
● Is the baby saved / dead ?
● Why did the writer include such a covered pertinent points related to
vague ending? the text.
Overview of Chapters as revision

https://youtu.be/OqxpQmULVME

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Post-Stage Conclusion: ● Draw a mind map on the 120
● Look at the power point on themes shown by the minutes
themes . educator.
● Link each character to a
relevant theme.
● How does each character
make an impact on Tsotsi?
Enrichment/expanded opportunities 1hour Learner booklet
● Complete the word search and 30minutes
cross word puzzles in the learner
booklet.
● Complete questions in learner
booklet .

Name of Teacher: _______________________ DH: _______________________________

Sign: _________________________________ Sign: ______________________________
Date: _________________________________ Date_______________________________

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ELEMENTS OF A NOVEL

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18
 CHAPTER SUMMARIES

Chapter 1
• It is a Friday evening. Tsotsi, Boston, Butcher and Die Aap sit in Tsotsi's room drinking beer in
silence ,waiting for Tsotsi to specify what job they will do that night. Boston has been passing
the time with idle talk.
• Tsotsi decides they will head to the train station where their unsuspecting victim, Gumboot
Dhlamini begins to head home to his wife.
• Butcher immediately approves of the plan but Boston seems uneasy and queries it before
reluctantly accepting.
• Tsotsi targets Gumboot for three reasons : he smiled, he wore a flaming red tie, and he bought
his ticket with money from his pay packet. After the murder and robbery, the gang leaves
Gumboot's lifeless body on the train to be discovered by the other passengers.

Discussion

1. Assess the character of the four gang members.

2. Techniques used by the writer to create and relieve tension.
3. Township life then and now.

Chapter 2

• Tsotsi, Butcher, Boston, and Die Aap head to Soekie's tavern after the murder to have a few drinks.
• As they start drinking, they begin to talk about Boston vomiting after the murder of Gumboot.
Boston claims that the only reason he was sick and the others were not, was because he has
decency unlike the rest of them.
• As the conversation advances, Die Aap and Butcher take Rosie (a girl who was also in Soekie's
tavern) outside to rape her.
• When the others leave, Boston begins to question Tsotsi about what he feels. This breaks one of
Tsotsi's rules: never ask questions. Tsotsi is irritated by all the questions about his personal life.
Tsotsi eventually has enough and brutally beats Boston, leaving him unconscious.

Discussion
1. Relationship between Tsotsi and Boston
2. Theme of decency
3. Tsotsi’s reaction to Boston’s questions

Chapter 3
• After beating Boston, Tsotsi leaves the shebeen and runs through the streets.
• As Tsotsi lies under a bluegum tree, he begins to hear footsteps.
• As he hears them come closer, he moves to get a better vantage point and sees a young
woman.
• Tsotsi grabs her by one arm and swings her into the darkness of the trees.
• As he pins her against the tree, she takes a shoe box and thrusts it into the hands of Tsotsi
and runs off.
• The lid slips off and Tsotsi finds himself looking at the face of a young baby boy. He decides to
keep the baby.

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 Discussion
1. Examine Tsotsi’s actions and thoughts and his need to look for a victim so that he can
feel powerful/ fearless again.
2. Tsotsi’s brief interlude with the woman (Why doesn’t he attack the woman like he
planned?)
3. Tsotsi’s reaction to the baby and his life-changing decision to take care of it.

Chapter 4

• The next morning Tsotsi heads to Cassim's shop (Ramadoola's General Dealer) in search of milk
for the baby. Before he gets courage to go up and talk to Cassim, he exits and re-enters the store
several times waiting for it to be clear of customers. He is awkward and embarrassed.
• Nervously, Cassim sends his wife into the back room to round up their children in case Tsotsi
tries to mug them.
• Tsotsi goes up to the counter and asks to buy some milk. Cassim sells him a tin of condensed
milk and realises that the young man is unable to read the words on the label.
• After buying the condensed milk, Tsotsi takes the baby back to his room to clean it and feed it.
• He feels awe at the realisation that a man can begin his existence in such a state of helpless
dependence.
• After the baby is cleaned and fed , he takes him to the ruins to hide him. (He does not want his
gang members to find it.)
• After hiding the baby in the ruins (in the remains of MaRhabatse's house), Tsotsi begins to
remember the “yellow bitch,” the dog he had when he was a young child. For the first time he is
curious about the past that he has avoided for so long.

Discussion
1. Comment on the socio-political conditions that existed in South Africa.
2. Boston’s condition when he regains consciousness.
3. The lack of purpose in the lives of Butcher and Die Aap.
4.The baby as a catalyst in Tsotsi’s life and his need to nurture/protect him.

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Chapter 5

• Gumboot Dhlamini is buried by Reverend Henry Ransome and the reverend is sorely troubled after
burying another man whose name no-one knows.
• The cemetery is surrounded by stunted trees and a broken fence - it is a depressing place.
• Boston awakes painfully from his state of unconsciousness in the alley where he was dumped and
moves for the first time in almost a day.
• Butcher and Die Aap begin to talk about Tsotsi beating Boston and begin to wonder what the future
holds for their gang.
• Tsotsi, Butcher and Die Aap find each other and begin to do what they do on any other night, sit
around and drink waiting for Tsotsi to make the decision of what job they will do.
• Without Boston's stories, conversation ends rather quickly and Tsotsi decides they will head into
the city that night.
• When Boston taunts a young woman passer-by who is carrying a baby, an idea dawns on Tsotsi.
Tsotsi is irritated by their presence and keeps thinking about the baby, the shoebox and the
bluegums.

Discussion
1. The impact of gangsterism on township residents.
2. Examine the difference in Tsotsi’s behaviour; he is becoming more sensitive and responsible.
3. How does the writer explore the inequalities between blacks and whites in this chapter?

Chapter 6
• Tsotsi, Butcher and Die Aap go to Terminal Place.
• When they get to Terminal Place, Tsotsi becomes separated from Die Aap and Butcher.
• He steps on Morris Tshabalala's hand - a crippled man who lost his legs in a work accident and
decides that he will be his target that night.
• As Morris continues on his way home, he realises that Tsotsi is following him, he hopes that if he
continues on his way, he will lose Tsotsi before he has to go through the dark part of his journey.
• Morris realises that even though he feels like a “half-man" he wants to live.
• He leaves his money in a pile underneath a light, hoping Tsotsi will just take the money and leave
him alone.
• When Tsotsi kicks the money away and continues walking towards him, Morris begins to throw
rocks and shout insults in order to defend himself.
• Discussion
1. Social inequalities in apartheid South Africa.
2. The life of Morris Tshabalala.

• Use images below to facilitate and encourage discussion amongst learners.

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Apartheid in the 1950s

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Chapter 7

• As Tsotsi follows Morris, he begins to realise that he crawls like the “yellow bitch” used to, dragging
his body around since he doesn't have any legs.
• Tsotsi chooses Morris because of his ugliness and deformity.
• Tsotsi clearly has a nihilistic view of existence - life is pointless and human values are worthless.
• Tsotsi confronts Morris in the street and tells him that he 'feels' for him.
• After he does this, Morris tells him why he wants to live. After he tells Tsotsi all the reasons he
wants to live, he confronts him about why Tsotsi has to kill him.
• Tsotsi realises that he does not have to kill him and that he is able to choose to let him live.
• Morris tries to share the most beautiful thing he knows, which is a mother's love for her child. Tsotsi
denies the truth of the statement.
• He has a long walk back to his room in the township. He is plagued by thoughts of the baby,
Boston, the bluegums and the beggar.
• Tsotsi realises that there is no turning back from these unprecedented experiences of feeding a
baby and sparing a man's life. Tsotsi decides he will find out who he is and what happened in his
past.
Discussion
1. Tsotsi’s attitude towards Morris
2. The plight of migrant workers
3. Sacred nature of human life
4. Tsotsi’s thoughts after his meeting with Morris

Chapter 8

• Boston awakes to the sound of church bells and begins to think about his faith in God.
• Reverend Ransome is still disturbed by not knowing Gumboot's name - he prays to God for help.
Tsotsi returns to the ruins to find the baby covered head to toe in ants and instead of leaving it, he
cleans the ants off the baby.
• We are then taken to Waterworks Square where a young mother by the name of Miriam Ngidi
waits in the long line to get to the tap. Miriam is a single mother because her husband, Simon, left
and never returned. Her son, Simon, is six months old.
• Back in her room she hears a knock at the door. Tsotsi has followed her. He threatens to kill her
baby if she refuses to accompany him. Tsotsi takes her to his room and forces her to feed the
baby.
• At first she protests that the baby is too dirty. This comparison has a strong effect on Tsotsi and
sparks a clear memory of the events that turned him into what he has become.

Discussion

1. Role of apartheid in the lives of township residents

2. The plight of black South African women like Miriam
3. Dysfunctional families.
4. Miriam and Tsotsi’s relationship

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Chapter 9

• Tsotsi begins to remember his past; he begins to see his old home and how happy he was living
with his mother. Fugard paints the picture of a loving mother and a protected childhood for the
young David.
• His mother speaks often about the imminent return of his father, whom David imagines as a
friendly, good man. There is a stern grandmother who is sceptical about this man.
• Eventually, the flashback leads him to the events that happened on the day that his mother was
taken to jail by the police in a dompas raid - supposedly to round up illegals. She tells him to wait
at home and not move.
• As his father returns after being away from the family for a long time, he becomes furious when
he finds out his wife has been taken to prison. During the outrage, his father kicks the family dog,
breaking its back. The dog gives birth to a litter of pups that soon die.
• David runs away from home where he is welcomed to the river gang which is led by a
boy named Petah. They share their scraps of food with him.
• He adapts to his new life under the new name Tsotsi.
• Later he joins other gangs of older boys and learns about the harsh realities of the outside world.

Discussion

1. Tsotsi’s childhood experiences

2. Police raids and brutality during apartheid

Chapter 10

• Tsotsi is awakened by a knocking at his door. His first instinct it to feel for the knife but then the
baby - it is still there at the foot of the bed, fast asleep. The knife does not bring the usual
reassurance - it sets off a chain of memories: the river, the street gangs, his mother and then
Petah.
• Die Aap visits Tsotsi to ask about their next job and to tell him that Butcher has joined another
gang. Tsotsi tells him that the gang has been disbanded and that they will no longer be doing the
jobs that they used to.
• Die Aap leaves him and Tsotsi hears the baby cry. Tsotsi takes out the baby. Staring at it, he
finally realises that the baby is helping him remember his past. Miriam comes to Tsotsi's room to
feed the baby and later asks Tsotsi if she can have him because she would be able to take care
of him best. Tsotsi won't let her take the baby because he is Tsotsi's baby.
• Tsotsi tells Miriam that the baby's name is David and that he is not his father but that David
belongs to him. His thoughts keep returning to the memory of the river where he stayed with the
street children and where they played a game called “driving to hell and gone” in a rusty, derelict
car that had crashed into the river one night.
• Tsotsi takes David back to the ruins. He makes the long journey to the river where he finds the
pipes and the shell of a motorcar. Now he has confirmed his memories and the truth of all he had
recalled about his past. He begins to wonder where Boston is and leaves to go and find him.

Discussion
1. Tsotsi’s changing psyche.
2. Tsotsi’s flashback to his childhood.

24
Chapter 11

• Tsotsi eventually finds Boston passed out of the floor of Marty's shebeen.
• The owner, Marty, fearlessly confronts Tsotsi and blames him for Boston's state.
• Tsotsi helps Boston up and carries him back to his room to take care of him.
• Halfway there, Boston wakes up and realises who is carrying him. He cries out in terror and
staggers off into the darkness. Tsotsi follows Boston and finds him collapsed under a sign.
• He takes him back to his room. He is beginning to sense - both physically and emotionally - the
extent of the pain that he has inflicted.
• Tsotsi goes off to buy bread and milk.
• Fugard begins to reveal to us the life that Boston has lead, how he was expelled from college,
how he illegally sold fake passbooks to people and how this smart guy became a part of the
gang. For years he has been misleading his mother into thinking he is employed as a teacher. As
Boston awakes, Tsotsi begins to tell him about his experience with Morris and asks him questions
about how he is changing. Boston tells him that they are all sick of life and seek God. Boston
leaves in search of his mother.

Discussion

1. Discussion of Boston’s personal tragedy

2. Life during apartheid times

Chapter 12

• Isaiah (the caretaker, bell-ringer and gardener at Reverend Ransome's church) sits in the church
garden planting flowers where Tsotsi, who is on his way to seek redemption from God, finds him.
• Miss Marriot, who works in the church office,is trying to get Isaiah to plant seedlings in a straight
row.
• Isaiah and Tsotsi strike up a conversation. He explains how he works for God and that when he
rings the church bell, it calls to all the other people who believe in God. Isaiah invites him back
next time the bells ring to find God.
• Tsotsi feels "unnaturally light”, almost as is if he is floating. Tsotsi finds Miriam again to feed the
baby. As she feeds the baby, Tsotsi realises that mothers really do love their children and that in
order for you to move into the future, you have to let your past go.
• Miriam asks him to let her have the baby again but he does not leave the baby with her
- he doesn't quite trust her yet.
• After he goes to church, Tsotsi decides that he will go back to his childhood name David
Madondo.
• As he heads back to the ruins, he hears bulldozers taking down the walls.
• He runs into the building only focused on one thing, finding the baby.
• He runs straight to the corner where the baby lay, where he and the baby would be crushed by
the ceiling.
• The workers who recover his body minutes later agree that his smile is beautiful and strange for a
Tsotsi.
• Tsotsi's search for his true identity as David Madondo and for some kind of meaning to his life
ends with a final act of sacrifice, as he dies in the attempt to save his alter ego, the baby David.

Discussion

1. The role of religion in the life of the oppressed

2. Tsotsi and God
3. Redemption

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CHARACTERS

TSOTSI

• As a boy, he was innocent and content. However, when his mother was taken from him, he
was left alone to witness his father come home and upon realising the house was empty, he
lashed out at the dog.
• Tsotsi was scared and fled the home. He is taken in by Petah's gang - he changes his identity
and becomes the thug we meet when the novel starts. At the onset of the novel, he is the
leader of the gang.
• He is a cold, calculating anti-hero. He is brutal, unscrupulous, dishonest, ruthless, cruel and
indifferent. He does not do any honest work - he is lazy and idle. He spends most days drinking
at a shebeen and he ‘stalks' his prey at night.
• He describes himself as inwardly dark - he is driven by dark impulses. He represents the worst
of human nature.
• He creates three rules in order to survive as Tsotsi:
• 1. Rule of the working moment - always be able to see his knife
• 2. Never disturb his 'inner darkness'
• 3. Tolerate no questions from others

The novel traces his journey to redemption:

He chooses to save the baby. (The baby acts as a catalyst for his journey to self-discovery.)
He stalks and plans to kill Morris Tshabalala, however, he reflects and begins to feel sympathy for the
crippled man.
He alienates himself from the gang.
He seeks Miriam's help.(She shows him that your past cannot define your present or future.)
He finds Boston.(He takes care of him and Boston talks to Tsotsi about God).
He meets Isaiah and goes to church.
He rediscovers his identity and humanity - he becomes David Madondo again.
He sacrifices himself in an attempt to save the baby from being crushed to death in the ruins. (The smile
on his face shows that he has no regrets and is pleased with whom he has become.)

Miriam Ngidi
• Miriam is an eighteen-year old with a young baby. Like many other young women in South
Africa, Miriam has been abandoned by her husband – Simon - and left with a child to care for
all on her own. (Or was he abducted by the apartheid police on his way to work in the mines?)
Tsotsi's mom and the lady who gave the baby to Tsotsi have been put in the same situation and
Miriam is our symbol for them.
• Through a strict plot context, we know Miriam as the lady who feeds little David for Tsotsi. She
is shown as an overall symbolic mother, nurturing and nourishing not only to baby David but her
own son too. She performs these mother-like acts to Tsotsi also and teaches him how to love
again. (She shows the true qualities of Ubuntu.)
• She is like Mother Mary. She shows Tsotsi that we must not live in the past and need to move
on in life and never give up. She shows great concern and empathy, not only for the baby but
also for Tsotsi. Her inner strength is a most admirable quality. She is a strong, courageous
woman who finally accepts that her husband is dead. She is determined to make a life for
herself and her son.

The baby“David”

• He is introduced relatively early through Tsotsi receiving it in the bluegum trees by a frightened
woman who he intended to rape. The baby becomes a catalyst for Tsotsi's self-discovery.

26
 • The baby is fragile, dependent, needy, helpless, vulnerable and ultimately a miracle of life.
• The baby represents innocence, kindness and the positives of human nature just like David,
who Tsotsi was prior to becoming a thug.
• Tsotsi recognises that and names the baby after his past self. The baby evokes feelings of
sympathy and mercy in Tsotsi - feelings he has denied before this. The baby helps Tsotsi
towards becoming David again through teaching him simple life lessons such as caring,
nurturing and responsibility for others.
• Tsotsi nurtures the baby with milk and cleans the baby which proves this new compassionate
outlook. When David Madondo sacrifices his own life for that of the baby, he is actually saving
himself. His efforts to save the baby indicate that his instincts have changed from the violence
of a street thug to the compassion of a mother. It is the ultimate redemption of becoming David
again.

Butcher
• Like all black males living in South Africa at the time, Butcher is a victim of Apartheid. These
men take all means to survive and we see this expressed in the way Butcher lives his day-to-
day life in the gang. To them he is the killer - he never misses a strike and is the go-to man
when the job needs to get done.
• He enjoys tormenting Boston for his queasiness when it comes to murdering 'decent' fellow
humans like Gumboot Dhlamini. To Tsotsi, Butcher does not mean much other than a person in
his gang who is skilful and ruthless. Later Butcher decides to abandon the gang when Tsotsi's
behaviour changes.

Die Aap
• Die Aap is a very loyal character - he wants the gang to stay together when Tsotsi is speaking of
them to split - the gang members are his brotherhood and he would do anything for them.
• He is content to follow Tsotsi's decisions no matter how brutal the crime because they are all he
knows.
• Die Aap is very strong and has long arms, reflected in his name.
• He is slow of speech and thought. He does not mean much to Tsotsi, he is just a gang member.
• Die Aap does not play a huge role in the understanding of the novel other than when he is the
one who Tsotsi officially tells that the gang is over.

Morris Tshabalala
• He is crippled, he lost his legs six years ago in a mineshaft collapse. He has lost his dignity and
is ashamed of the way he must beg to get his money in order to survive. He is proud, bitter and
without hope.
• He believes he is a half-man. When Tsotsi's gang goes to the city, Tsotsi decides he will kill
Morris; however, he feels sympathy for the cripple who reminds him of the `yellow bitch' (a
flashback to a dog in his backyard when he was younger).
• Morris is a catalyst for Tsotsi to remember the dog.
• He is also a symbol for South Africa,due to the fact that he is a crippled man, much like South
Africa. Morris helps the reader to see the pivotal moment within Tsotsi and the shift that Tsotsi
experiences.
• Morris shows Tsotsi the value of the little things in life and shows Tsotsi that he can make
choices.
• Morris does not have any other influential moment within the text other than the interactions
that he has with Tsotsi. With his reactions, he creates and helps Tsotsi develop the ability to
show decency and allows Tsotsi to make choices that affect others, rather than just himself. He
is grateful for a second chance at life when he realises that Tsotsi is not going to kill him.

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Boston
• Walter “Boston” Nguza is the “brains” of the group.
• He went to college but did not complete it because he was accused of raping a fellow student.
This sent him down his path of resorting to crime for survival as he had no other way to make
ends meet.
• He is a very knowledgeable character and always tells stories to the group when they are not
stalking prey.
• After the 'job' on the trains (killing Gumboot Dhlamini), Boston is the only gang member who
shows any remorse. He is violently ill after the event.
• He constantly asks Tsotsi questions - which is against Tsotsi's last two rules. These questions
make Tsotsi hate Boston. Tsotsi beats Boston because of these questions and he accuses Tsotsi
of having no decency. (He is the only gang member with a sense of decency.) This influences
Tsotsi's decisions throughout the book.
• At the end of the novel, Tsotsi seeks Boston out and cares for him in order to try and discover
answers to similar questions that Boston was asking earlier.
• Boston acts as a catalyst for Tsotsi's search for God. He explains to Tsotsi that he must seek
out God to get more answers and tells Tsotsi that everyone is “sick from life.” Not only does he
help Tsotsi understand what he must do to seek further redemption but the exchange they have
also makes Boston realise he must go back home to seek redemption from his mother.

Isaiah
• Isaiah and Tsotsi meet at a church near the end of the story and engage in a short yet
life-changing conversation for Tsotsi.
• In the Bible, Isaiah is an 8th century prophet (inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God)
and in the novel he teaches Tsotsi about God; he tells Tsotsi of what will happen because of sin
and that God is inside the church and it engages his interest of attending the church even more.
• Tsotsi has been looking for God and that is why he went to Boston, Isaiah is his door to God.
• Tsotsi is invited back to the church and if it was not for the baby in the ruins the next day, he
would have returned. Isaiah allows Tsotsi to understand the possibilities Christianity brings.

Gumboot Dhlamini
• He is a migrant worker in the Johannesburg mines. He has a sunny and positive disposition.
• Ironically, it is his broad smile that is his undoing as it prompts Tsotsi to choose him as the
gang's victim.
• Gumboot is also foolish because he allows himself to be complacent and opens his pay packet
in full public view.
• The gang members surround him on a crowded train and kill him. The last we see of Gumboot
is at his funeral when the officiating priest does not even know his name. However, he has an
important role in the novel because he is a catalyst for the disintegration of the gang and the
changes that occur in Tsotsi's life.

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 EXAM PRACTICE: MARKING GUIDELINES

ESSAY TOPICS: TSOTSI

1. ‘Tsotsi felt hate and resentment towards Boston.’

Critically discuss the validity of this statement.
Your response should be in the form of a well-constructed essay of
350-400 words.

Suggested aspects to consider and discuss:

● Boston’s upbringing and education have provided him with an understanding of all the
things that make up “decency”, which include a sense of morality, righteousness, integrity,
mercy, compassion, honesty and “ubuntu”. His descent into crime makes Boston physically
and emotionally sick. He confronts Tsotsi as he has intense feelings of disgust and guilt
after the cold-blooded murder of Gumboot. He knows that the other gang members can
never achieve decency as they are ignorant of this concept and what it entails. Boston
believes there is some hope in finding decency in Tsotsi and therefore keeps asking Tsotsi if
he shares these feelings.
● Tsotsi has a mysterious past, he hides even from himself. He mentions in his reflection on
the three rules he lives by that every day when he wakes up is like he has just been born.
He has a blackness inside of him and does not remember anything from his past. His third
rule, the one Boston is now breaking, is that he will not tolerate any questions about his
past. Boston’s probing questions are dangerous and when Boston goes too far with the kind
of questions one is permitted to ask, Tsotsi savagely attacks him.
● Tsotsi refuses to allow anyone to ask questions about his past, not only because he does
not know the answers, but he also refuses to acknowledge any feelings or any sort of
identity formulated by his own roots. Instead, he has become very skilful in living in his
crime-ridden present. He does not even have a real name as “tsotsi” is an informal name for
a violent, young criminal or gangster.
● Tsotsi chose Boston for the gang because he is clever, but now Boston is forcing him to
question his violent and crime-ridden way of life with his question about decency. This,
Tsotsi fears might also make him confront his past, something he has always blocked out
and ignored. (An example of this is the incident on the street when Petah called his name,
his real name and Tsotsi ignored him.)
● Tsotsi fears Boston’s personal questions because it has made him face the nothingness that
lies behind the façade(front) that he believes life actually is. Therefore paradoxically, the
only way he is able to affirm his life in the face of his belief is through pain, fear and death.
● This is also why the first thing he focuses on in the morning is his knife, the symbol of his
savage and heartless way of life. The knife stands for the obsession he has with violence
that rules his existence. What would Tsotsi be without his knife? What would he be without
his ruthless attacks on others? He does not even have a past or one he can remember.
● One could argue that Tsotsi is afraid to face his past because of the pain he suffered and
the pain it will cause to face it again. His way of protecting himself is by blocking it all out
and living a life of violence, which helps to keep the painful memories out of his mind.

2. In a detailed essay of 350-400 words critically assess the following statement:

Tsotsi is the story of one man’s redemption from numbness and moral
indecency. In your discussion you may refer to the role of:
● Boston
● the baby

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 ● childhood memories
● the church/God
● Miriam

Suggested aspects to consider and discuss:

Boston
Boston says he has some “decency” which means he feels guilt at having killed Gumboot.
He questions Tsotsi relentlessly about his past, asks him if he has a soul and eventually gets beaten
up by Tsotsi for it.
He is someone who stands out as a character with morality in the middle of a gang
He shows the leader that there is another way to live.
He shows courage in confronting Tsotsi and finally stirs the necessary memories in the leader.
Confused, Tsotsi finds Boston to help explain what is happening to him and is introduced to God,
mercy and redemption.

The Baby
The baby allows Tsotsi to feel compassion for someone else’s distress. This sparks a range of softer
emotions he has never experienced.
The baby stirs memories of Tsotsi’s childhood, enabling him to restore his identity as David Madondo.
The baby is helpless and needs his care, so drawing him away from his life of crime.
He saves the baby, thereby symbolizing his own salvation by God.

Childhood memories
The memories of the yellow dog, his mother and the homeless boys provide Tsotsi with an identity -
memories of compassion, motherly love.

The church/God
● The narrator acknowledges that God is presiding over Tsotsi’s redemption, even orchestrating the
various triggers/people who have a significant role.
● Tsotsi goes to a church to find help when he feels confused.

Miriam
● Miriam is beautiful, compassionate and shows the gangster a new side of family life which he has
missed out on.
● She speaks truthfully, but waits until the right time to gently share the vision she has for her future.
In caring for others, she has found hope in a difficult situation. “I mean, we gotta live.”

3. Tsotsi is influenced to undergo a process of personal development by his

encounters with certain characters.
In an essay of 350-400 words, discuss the impact of Boston, the baby
and MorrisTshabalala on Tsotsi’s growth in the novel.

Suggested aspects to consider and discuss:

● Tsotsi starts the novel as a cold, hardened criminal whose interior matches his calm exterior.
● He has rules by which he lives his life and they involve staying in control: He always has his knife
on hand, never forgets his ‘dark purpose’ and tries not to think about his past as he does not want
to be distracted.
● As the novel progresses his cool exterior starts to crack – he faces flashbacks about his earlier life
and he develops a sense of sympathy towards some of his victims as his conscience undergoes
small and subtle yet somewhat significant change.

30
● Despite being influenced by the characters mentioned, his harsh lifestyle and the external
conditions created by the politics of the day bring him to a tragic end.
● Candidates should pick up that some, albeit limited, change has occurred in Tsotsi.

Reference to characters:

Boston
● This is a character who likes to question things and seemingly has some sense of “decency” or
conscience in the gang.
● Proof of his conscience is seen when he gets sick after they kill Gumboot Dlamini.
● Tsotsi is easily irritated by Boston and his questions especially because Boston pries about his
private life/ relationships/ past.
● After killing Gumboot, they visit Soekie’s tavern and Boston starts with the questions again.
● This provokes Tsotsi to beat him up and he runs away, starting Tsotsi off on a strange journey
where he walks through the streets being “followed” by the provoking questions.
● Tsotsi starts to reflect and is rattled by the encounter.
● Running away from Boston catalyses the chain of events that will change Tsotsi further.
● Proof of his effect on Tsotsi is the fact that Tsotsi consults Boston for advice once he realises that
he wants to change.
● Tsotsi seeks redemption when he assists Boston with his wounds by taking him back to his shack
and taking care of him and the changes in Tsotsi are revealed by the advice that he seeks from
Boston.

The Baby
● On the fateful night that Tsotsi beats Boston up, he attempts to attack a young woman near the
white suburb amongst the bluegum trees. She hands him a box containing a baby.
● We see a major change in Tsotsi’s thuggish exterior through this incident because instead of doing
away with the baby, he decides to keep it and he does not know why.
● He cares for the baby – getting it milk at Cassim’s shop and keeping it amongst the ruins so it can
be safe.
● Tsotsi is unaware of the change taking place in him at this stage, but him hiding the baby shows an
awareness that it goes against his sense of identity and he does not want anybody to know about
it.
● Tsotsi takes on a caregiving role and his cruel exterior has cracked.
● In interacting with the baby, he remembers the yellow dog and his memories being provoked show
that he is breaking his own rules. He slowly delves into his inner darkness.
● His careful (and inexperienced) care for the baby shows that he has the capacity for humanity.
● Tsotsi’s need for family is revealed when he refuses to give the baby to Miriam to take care of it
because he feels a connection to the child.
● Tsotsi names the baby “David” after himself which reveals his need for family and the fact that he
is embracing his lighter side once his memories open up.
● Tsotsi dies trying to protect the baby at the ruins which shows that he has learnt to care for
someone other than himself and something other than the “present moment”.

Morris Tshabalala
● This is an incredibly striking encounter in terms of witnessing a change in Tsotsi. It is a moment in
the novel where Tsotsi’s inner darkness and cruel instincts are overcome.
● Morris is a paraplegic and his disability reminds Tsotsi even more of the yellow dog – Morris’s
appearance triggers memories in Tsotsi and moves him to action.
● When Tsotsi chooses Morris as his next victim, we are told that for the first time he makes a
mistake – he does not attack him and kill him at his first opportunity.
● Morris’ link to the dog creates a fascination in Tsotsi even though he is only “half a man”. Tsotsi
realises that he feels sorry for Morris – he “feels” for him or has sympathy for him.

31
● When the moment comes that he must attack Morris, a conversation takes place between the two
and there is a distinct change in Tsotsi.
● Morris asks Tsotsi if he wants to live and this question makes him consider what living is. Tsotsi
also decides to spare the man.
● A very tangible change in Tsotsi’s choices is evident in his discussion with Morris which enables
Boston and the Baby to influence him even further.
● After this encounter, the reader witnesses a turning point in Tsotsi where he starts to seek
redemption/ God/ humanity/ an improved sense of self.

Ultimately it seems that these three characters have catalysed change in Tsotsi and that something
like critical thought, the importance of memory or even conscience is developing in him.

4. Explain in a detailed essay of 350 – 400 the transformation that took place in
Tsotsi immediately after the baby comes into his life. Consider what he was
like before and after, as well as his thought process when he examines why he did not kill the
baby when it was shoved into his hands.

Suggested aspects to consider and discuss:

● Tsotsi is a thug and the leader of a gang who lives by violence and crime. They murder and rob
innocent people, the time, place and target chosen by Tsotsi. He is respected by the other gang
members and feared by society. He is emotionally scarred and does not tolerate any questions
from others.
● On the fateful night that Tsotsi beats Boston up, he attempts to attack a young woman near the
white suburb amongst the bluegum trees. She hands him a box containing a baby.
● We see a major change in Tsotsi’s thuggish exterior through this incident because instead of
doing away with the baby, he decides to keep it and he does not know why.

Tsotsi lives by three rules:

● Every morning when he wakes up he touches his knife. The knife is his talisman and reminds
him of his life the way it is now as well as the fact that it enables him to control his life and is
paramount to his survival. He also supresses all memories from the past even the recent ones.
He starts each day with no memory of his past at all as he regards memories from the past as
too painful. He does not tolerate any questions about his past or any discussion which might
remind him of anything in his past.

● These rules allow Tsotsi to never disturb the darkness within himself, reflect or attempt to know
anything about himself and keep the memories at bay. He does not tolerate any questions in
order to preserve the darkness that exists within him.

● The baby that is thrust into Tsotsi’s life acts as a catalyst for change. By caring for it, he begins
to experience a number of conflicting sensations and emotions, which force him to confront his
own identity and stir a nurturing instinct in him. At first, he does not understand why he did not
just kill the baby or leave it behind.
● He has an overwhelming need to protect and care for it. Tsotsi also notices that he has been
allowing memories in. For instance, the memory of a yellow dog crawling towards him in pain.
Suddenly he has the urge to find out what these memories mean, which has never happened
before. He wants to keep the fact that he has the baby from the gang members and keep it to
himself. He starts to become less and less concerned with the activities of the gang and it is the
baby’s impact on his life which has become his only concern.
● Tsotsi believes he needs to keep the baby alive in order for him to return to his former identity.
He realizes that the baby will help him remember. In a way the baby has replaced his knife as
his talisman. He experiences a fear that he cannot identify followed by the sharpest and

32
 clearest memory of his past to date. Tsotsi becomes desperate to remember his past and
keeps the baby as a trigger to these memories.

CONTEXTUAL QUESTIONS AND MARKING GUIDELINES

1.1 Provide two reasons for Tsotsi and his friends’ presence on the train. (2)
• They planned to rob someone to have money for the weekend.
• They targeted Gumboot because they saw that he had money.
Award 2 marks for a well-rounded answer.

1.2 What was the ‘writing man’ (line 8) going to do for Gumboot Dhlamini? (2)
• He was going to write a letter on behalf of Gumboot, to his wife
Maxulu, to tell her that he will be back within a week.

1.3 Surprises are usually quick. Why would Gumboot’s surprise (line 11)
be ‘slow’? (2)
● He was unaware of anything happening to him; he did not feel the
spoke; he felt no pain; there were too many people pressing
against him.
Award 2 marks for a relevant explanation.

1.4 Refer to lines 14–18. What do these lines reveal about Tsotsi’s character?
Support your answer by quoting from these lines. (3)
• He is cruel – he ‘smiled at the growing bewilderment’.
• He enjoys causing pain – ‘whispered an obscene reference to his
mother’.
• His behaviour is inhumane – no decent human being will delight in
another’s pain; death. He ‘smiled…’
Award 2 marks for character and 1 mark for a relevant quotation.

1.5 How is Gumboot’s senseless death a reflection of life in the townships in

the Fifties? (3)
• Many gangsters operated in the townships, and residents lived in
fear of them.
• Tsotsi and his gang made their living by robbing and killing usually
innocent people. Lives were cheap.
Award 3 marks for 2 points well discussed.

1.6 Boston feels ‘sick, sick right through his brain’ (line 22) when he steals
Gumboot’s pay. From what you know about the rest of the novel, what is
Boston’s role in Tsotsi’s life? (3)

• Boston’s character is in contrast to Tsotsi’s cold and cruel

character. Even when he is severely beaten up by Tsotsi, he does
not bear him a grudge.
• Later Tsotsi approaches him to ask him about God, recognising
that Boston knows what life is about. He helps Tsotsi find
redemption.
Award 3 marks for 2 relevant and well discussed points about Boston’s role in the
novel.

33
1.7 How is the literal image of the clean washing also a figurative reference to
Tsotsi’s circumstances at this stage? (3)
• Miriam’s kindness and willingness to look after the baby has
caused a radical change in Tsotsi. He is no longer the cruel and
vile gangster.
• She has ‘washed’ him of the darkness of his past. He has found
redemption in Miriam’s acceptance, and his acknowledgement of
his past.
Award 3 marks only if the metaphor is explained. Allow for alternative
interpretations.

1.8 Explain the bitter irony of Tsotsi’s distrust in Miriam’s plea that the baby
stays with her. (3)
• Tsotsi takes the boy back to the ruins.
• When he realises that the bulldozers are razing the ruins, he is too
late to rescue the child.
• They both die when the building collapses, and Tsotsi could not
protect the child.
Award 3 marks only if the irony is explained.

1.9 Refer to Extracts C and D. Discuss the change in Tsotsi’s attitude. (4)
• Extract C: Tsotsi’s attitude is almost barbaric in its cruelty. (1) He
smiles when Gumboot dies. (1)
• Extract D: Tsotsi wants to protect rather than harm – he takes care
of the baby. Miriam is safe in his presence. (1) He is no longer a
predator; he has become humane. (1)
[25]

2.1 Mention two things from lines 1–3 that can be ascribed to the Apartheid era. (3)
● The brutal way in which a man is treated by the Police.
● The pervasive poverty – the man’s hunger is visible.
[Award 3 marks for a well-rounded answer.]

2.2 Given his circumstances, explain why you think Petah’s recognition of Tsotsi
could give him ‘wild hope’ (line 5). (3)
● Petah is being led away by the Police. Policemen did not treat
prisoners kindly, and Petah knew that.
● Petah knows that Tsotsi and his gang could easily take on a lone
policeman and free Petah. Petah had been one of the group of
homeless boys that Tsotsi had joined as a child. Petah presumes a
bond that Tsotsi might respect.
● Petah’s ‘wild hope’ reflects his desperate situation. He will seize
any opportunity to escape the inevitable brutality that awaits him.
He sees in Tsotsi the chance of escape.
[Award 3 marks for understanding of the unique circumstances.]

2.3 From what you know about Tsotsi’s past, what is it that he does not
remember clearly? (3)
● When he fled his home after his mother’s arrest, he joined a group
of homeless boys. Petah was one of them.
● Together they scavenged and committed petty crimes to stay alive.
● These boys became a family in order to survive.
● Tsotsi avoids thinking of the past so as not to disturb his inner
darkness and to become vulnerable to his feelings.

34
 2.4 “… he made himself forget”.(line 20) Describe how Tsotsi’s refusal to remember his
past influences his relationship with Boston. (3)

● Tsotsi becomes aggressive whenever Boston enquires about his past.

● His friends are intimidated by his aggression.
Boston’s insistence on getting an answer from Tsotsi leads Tsotsi to beating
him up within an inch of his life.

2.5 Comment critically on the significance of Petah calling Tsotsi, David. (3)
● It is his real name.
● ‘Tsotsi’ is a nickname he has earned on the streets.
● He associates his painful past with ‘David’, and has great difficulty
in hearing it or being reminded of it.

2.6 Explain how the baby (line 7) had started a ‘compulsion’ (line 5) in Tsotsi’s
mind. (3)
● As somebody who is a hardened criminal and who lives a violent
life, Tsotsi experiences emotions he had never experienced
before.
● He feels a ‘compulsion’ to take care of the helpless baby; he does
not rape Miriam.
● He is no longer in control of his gangster existence; he allows
himself to remember his past.
[Award 3 marks for reference to ‘compulsion’ and subsequent
changes.]

2.7 Explain why it is ironic that Tsotsi chooses Boston with whom to converse. (3)
● Tsotsi almost killed Boston when Boston asked questions about
Tsotsi’s past.
● Now he is asking Boston’s advice because he realises that he has
to deal with his past.
[Award 3 marks if irony is well explained.]

2.8 Refer to EXTRACTS C and D. Critically comment on the change, if any, in

Tsotsi’s attitude. (4)
● EXTRACT C: Tsotsi ignores Petah’s cry for help, by pretending he
did not hear it. (1) His attitude is cold-hearted. (1)
● EXTRACT D: Tsotsi is asking Boston for help. (1) His attitude has
changed to one of dependence; seeking answers; relying on
somebody else; vulnerability. (1)
[25]

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 ANSWERS TO TSOTSI QUESTIONS

ANSWERS

CHAPTER ONE

1. Tsotsi: not talkative, youngest, distrusting, suspicious, cold hearted

Boston: talkative, short – sighted, remorseful
Butcher: lithe, murderer, dangerous, impatient
Aap: long arms, strong, unintelligent, loyal, follower
2.1 Maxulu
2.2 migrant mine worker
2.3 He smiled. He wore a red tie. He paid for his ticket directly from his pay packet.
3. Boston takes the pay packet from the victim’s pocket.
4.He feels sick. He vomits and he cries. He reacts like this because he is guilty and
knows that what they did is wrong.
5. It reveals his hatred for people that are happy. He is obviously devoid of any feeling.
He feels very powerful when he watches someone dying.

CHAPTER TWO

1. It is clear that he was ill after killing Gumboot. He talks loudly and spits when he
talks. He is easily annoyed when the others taunt him.
2. He doesn’t hold them in very high esteem.
3. Boston is very intelligent. He was training to be a teacher.
4. Yes. Gumboot dressed neatly and was focused and disciplined. He worked, saved
his salary and was about to return to his wife back home. None of the gang members
share the same qualities or purpose.
5. He has no memory of his past and he likes it that way.
6.He denies any past that might have shaped his character. He is as meaningless as
a stone. For him life is pointless and human values are worthless.

CHAPTER THREE

1. Boston has been asking Tsotsi too many questions. Tsotsi has one rule – no questions.
2. He is trying hard not to think about Boston’s words.
3. The first rule : the moment he awakens he has to look at his knife and then
he has to sharpen it. Second rule: he permits no memories or thoughts about himself.
Third rule: He allows no personal questions about himself.
4. Petah is a person from Tsotsi’s past. He was a street child who took Tsotsi under his
wing. He reveals Tsotsi’s real name – David.
5. He is distracted by the shoebox.
6. She has no choice. The people chasing her wanted to kill the baby. She is obviously
guilty of breaching the immorality act. She believes that maybe the baby will have a
chance to survive.
7. He is intrigued by the baby. The old and wrinkled face that stares back at him leaves him in awe.

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CHAPTER FOUR

1. He fears that Tsotsi is there to rob his shop.

2. Bombay (Mumbai). His wife is from Durban.
3. He is embarrassed and does not want anyone to see him buying baby milk.
4. He is illiterate and so he cannot read the words on the label.
5. It is not normal for a man (especially a gangster) to do things normally done by a woman.
6. It has been demolished. Sophiatown is being destroyed by the apartheid authorities.
7 It threatens his need to avoid the past by triggering disturbing memories about his past.
8. His usual weapon of death is now being used for a nurturing, life-giving purpose. The baby is
becoming his new talisman instead of the knife.

CHAPTER FIVE

1. He has to bury Gumboot Dhlamini but does not even know his name.
2. It is depressing. It is crowded, has a broken fence and stunted trees.
3. Big Jacob.
4. He is in a semi-conscious state, he is unable to move due to the extent of his injuries,
oblivious of his surroundings, very confused.
5. To find out what the "job" is for that night.
6. Tsotsi gets an idea of how he can get food/nourishment for the baby.
7. He is distracted by thoughts of the baby and the memory of the ‘yellow bitch’.
8. He was the one who beat Boston. Now he needs him.

CHAPTER SIX

1. Empathy, pity, admiration (any suitable response).

2. He lost his legs when the mineshaft collapsed.
3. He could not find a job.
4. Morris represents the harshness of life; Tsotsi will release him from the "nothingness" of
his existence; Morris is vulnerable/helpless and would not be able to fight off Tsotsi.
5. A car stalls and has to be pushed. Morris follows behind it.
6. He left without permission.
7. He felt ashamed/embarrassed. His pride was damaged – he wanted to work for his money.

CHAPTER SEVEN

1. It is an accident.
2. First "chaos and terror"; then a "burning hate of the cripple". It reminds him of the dog that his
father killed.
3. "baby"; "bluegum"; "bitch".
4. The gang members have seperated to look for victims.
5. He compares him to a dog.
6. He feels a "spasm of relief". He feels for his victim.
7. That life is worth living after all.

CHAPTER EIGHT

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1. He was beaten by Tsotsi and is still lying in a near comatose state.
2. Tsotsi is illiterate. Boston, an educated person, knows this. Tsotsi's incompetence
is expressed through violence (breaking the pencil).
3. It shows the extent of his despair but also indicates how the urge to care for the baby's life
is now stronger than the need to kill or destroy.
4. Indispensable: people cannot do without water (for drinking, washing etc.)
Hated: when queues are long or the water has been cut off or is just trickling.
Enjoyed that the tap is a place for chatting, meeting old friends, community gatherings etc.
5. He could have been arrested for not having a passbook/ killed in jail/abandoned her/ran
away/ was injured.
6. He is used to violent ways of dealing with people. It is part of his conditioning.
7. It triggers her maternal instinct; it makes her feel needed.

CHAPTER NINE

1. The previous chapter ended with Tsotsi "reliving" "the memory that had come to him from
a long time away.”
2. Tondi
3. She was heavily pregnant.
4. He is a stranger./Tsotsi had expected to have his mother to hold onto when he met
his father./The father's strange "thundery" voice scares him./The way his father kicks the
dog scares him./The events of the night have traumatised him.
5. They think he is one of them - that he has no mother or father to care for him.

CHAPTER TEN

1. The knife is no longer a symbol of security as it was before.

2. Any three: river; mother; Petah; the gang.
3. To get instructions for a "job"; because this is what he always does.
4. He has joined another gang.
5. He is glad he has it: he rejoices even in its crying and smelliness.
6. She wants to come and she is prepared to care for the baby.
7. He could be referring to his real identity or the baby not seeing his father.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

1. She is a shebeen “queen" and Boston's former lover.

2. He wants Boston to explain what has been happening to him, to help clarify what it all means.
3. He is terrified that his attacker (Tsotsi) has come to finish him off.
4. He feels Boston's pain and now understands Boston better.
5. He could not face the shame of his disgrace, he did not want to disappoint her.
6. Boston's partner in the forgery scam.

CHAPTER TWELVE

1. Isaiah was an Old Testament prophet who described the mysteries of the church.
2. The pastor is Reverend Ransome. The office lady is Miss Marriot.
3. He must ring the bell to call people to believe in God, he is also the gardener at the church.
4. Tsotsi was "given" "his" baby under the bluegum trees.
5. The Biblical stories of Noah, Moses and so on.
6. As a washerwoman.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RESOURCES

1. Eastern Cape DOE – English Home Language November Paper 2, 2017.

2. Easter Cape DOE – English Home Language , November Paper 2, 2018.
3. X-Kit Achieve Grade 11 – Tsotsi Guide.
4. Wordmint.com
5. http://ontrack-media.net/english.
6. http://www.alamy.com.- stock-photo-tsotsi

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