The Representation of MaBiyela in Lauretta Ngcobo’s And They Didn’t Die

Abstract

ABSTRACTMaBiyela, the patriarchal mother-in-law of Jezile, is a comparatively minor character in the novel And They Didn’t Die, and so she might seem an unusual focus through which to discuss Lauretta Ngcobo’s work. But as Ngcobo chose to give a compelling and sympathetic account of this character’s personal history and inner life, and so provide a carefully contextualised understanding of her actions and attitudes, it is worth considering the implications of the representation of MaBiyela. The main attention in the novel is given to Jezile, married to MaBiyela’s son, Siyalo, as this young, rural woman is depicted first defying MaBiyela in order to save her marriage, and later having to take heroic steps to defend both the subjectivity she has achieved and her elder daughter’s physical safety. Yet, despite the power of Jezile’s aspirations and development to command our support, MaBiyela remains a memorable, although reactionary figure. Discussion will suggest that it is through her that Ngcobo gives individualised depth to her powerful criticism of the Bhaca custom and patriarchal authority to which her women characters are subjected. This novelistic analysis is matched by an equally critical, but differently presented, depiction of apartheid authority. Beyond the critical analysis, however, by giving a human face to MaBiyela as a custodian of custom, Ngcobo is able to suggest that there is an unrealised potential for progressive change in tradition, while apartheid remains merely machine-like.