There once lived a little boy in South Africa whose name sounded like a song: Rolihlahla. It meant “troublemaker” in Xhosa, his language. He was a member of a clan who had lived in that land long before the country even existed.
His great-grandfather was the clan’s king and his father, its chief. No one in his family had had a formal education before. On the first day of class, his teacher gave each of the students an English name, and from then on, Rolihlahla was known as Nelson.
Nelson was twelve when his father passed, but he inherited his sense of fairness. It was decided that he would be taken to the Great Place and entrusted to the chief’s family, who treated him like a son and continued his education.
Listening to the tales told by the oldest visitors at the palace, Nelson discovered his love of African history. He also learned that his country had been taken over by white men. They made laws and took decisions for all of its inhabitants.
Comprehension Questions
1. What does Rolihlahla mean?
A. Troublemaker
B. Mischief maker
C. Troublesome
2. Why did Nelson have to move to the Great Place?
A. He was to become chief
B. His father passed
C. His community was raided
A. He was to become chief
B. His father passed
C. His community was raided
Your Thoughts
3. Did you like this excerpt? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.