Dreaming of Light
Chapter 6
1.
What do the chapter’s opening paragraphs reveal about Regile’s character?
He enjoys nature and reflecting on his life. He is very much in tune with his surroundings.
He loves to soak up the beauty that nature has to offer. He misses home. He is a very
gentle/peaceful child to a certain extent.
2.
Why does he stay away from people? Give TWO possible reasons.
 He has been inside the earth/mine in small, confined spaces with many boys. He
needs time for himself.
 He is afraid of being caught by authority because he doesn’t have the required legal
documents to be in South Africa.
3.
Why does he not want to think about the boys in the shed?
He knows what it’s like to be caught (in the mine/shed) and have no freedom. He cares
about people/the boys. He doesn’t like the idea of anyone suffering.
4.
With reference to your answer at question 3, read the underlined statement and
answer the question that follows: Regile wants to become tougher and harsher on the new
recruits. Do you think he will be able to do it? Explain your answer.
No. He has a gentle nature. He isn’t a cruel person. He has shown compassion several
times. OR Yes. He wants to remain employed and continue to earn Papa’s trust.
Therefore, he will try hard to become harsher.
5. Why do you think Regile walks down R38?
It gives him a sense of freedom and direction. Even though he’s not walking home, he
may possibly feel as if he is – it comforts him. It also gives him the idea that he can walk
towards a new life somewhere else; he has choices.
6. Why does Regile always return to Papa Mavuso?
He only knows how to mine and doesn’t believe that he can do anything else.
7. What makes him dive into the bushes?
When he sees a car approaching on the road, he dives into the bushes to hide.
8. Why is Regile so familiar with all the roads?
Katekani (Mavuso’s daughter) told him that she had a map of the area and he asked her
to see it.
9. Why would Katekani tell Regile about the map?
She cares about him and will place herself at risk to help him escape from the dangerous
syndicate. She is a considerate young girl who values their friendship.
10. Refer to p. 83.
“Maybe there was still some part of a boy like Taiba left inside me, stupidly dreaming of
escape.” Taking Regile’s words into account, why does Taiba truly irritate him?
English First Additional Language Gr 11
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Dreaming of Light Chapter 6
Regile sees a part of himself in Taiba – a part that he has lost. Regile is constantly
reminded of what he used to be like every time Taiba proclaims his faith. It frustrates him
because he too would actually like to dream of light again.
11. Describe the R38 road.
According to Regile, it is a good road to use if you were up to no good. It’s wild and lonely.
On the right is the Wild Frontier country – an odd-shaped stretch of untamed land that is
wedged between Swaziland, Mozambique and the N4, which heads for the
Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post. The road surface is bad in parts and at some
places the trees lean over from either side of the road to make a tunnel.
12. Explain what Regile means when he says: “You could dispose of anything in the bush.”
Give ONE example of what he had seen in the bush to support this answer.
Regile means it is a good hiding place like a dead body. He had once seen a burnt-out
car about 50m from the road. He believes someone wanted to get rid of the car.
13. How does Regile know that it’s time to return to Papa Mavuso’s place?
When the sun starts to descend in the sky, he knows he must return.
14. Why is it important that he returns to the place in time?
He is responsible to take food to the boys in the shed and he can’t be late.
15. Explain the shed key arrangement.
Katekani gives the keys to Regile with the food and tea bottles. After Regile has given the
food and tea to the boys, he locks the shed and returns the keys to Papa Mavuso.
16. Why doesn’t Regile want his mother to have an address to write back to?
He doesn’t want to know that he had lied to her. She doesn’t know that he is in South
Africa.
17. Would you describe Taiba as influential? Explain your answer.
Yes. The other new recruits spoke about Spike Maphosa and the possibility of escape
while underground. Now Katekani’s hope has been rejuvenated. She takes Taiba’s
attitude to heart and draws hope from this child-like faith.
18. Why does Regile decide to break the truth to Taiba?
He wants Taiba to stop asking silly questions and to toughen up. He must face the truth
and deal with it.
19. Did Regile’s actions about speaking the truth serve its purpose? Explain your answer.
No. Taiba continues to believe. The truth didn’t make Taiba negative at all. He is more
optimistic than ever and still whole-heartedly believes he will be rescued.
20. Regile paints a cruel picture for Taiba. According to Regile, what are the only two paths a
zama zama’s life can take?
You are killed/injured and thrown away. You are used in a leadership role.
English First Additional Language Gr 11
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Dreaming of Light Chapter 6
21. Refer to p. 86.
Quote ONE word to prove that Taiba is confused at a stage while Regile is talking to him.
“puzzled”
22. Regile believes it’s a fool’s errand to even search for the mythical Spike Maphosa. Explain
the idiom in context of the story.
Regile doesn’t believe in Spike Maphosa and thinks it is useless to even try. He believes
they have no chance to escape.
23. Taiba is never angry or rebellious. Are these characteristics we can expect in a young
zama zama? Explain your answer.
No. They want to be free. They are angry that they have become slaves to the
syndicates. They will rebel and try to run away.
24. Why does Regile like the recruits to stay clear of the shed’s door when he leaves it?
He doesn’t want them to make a run for it and try to escape.
25. Refer to p.88.
“They accept that this is their life.” Are these words applicable to all the characters in the
book? Explain your answer.
No. Taiba believes things will change. Katekani also believes things will change. They
both refuse to believe that this life is their only choice of reality.
26. Refer to p.88.
“In this between time…” Provide the correct name for this time of day.
Dusk. Sunset.
27. Do you think Regile is potentially jealous of Katekani liking Taiba? Explain your answer.
Yes. As soon as she says that she likes Taiba, he criticizes Taiba. He says that Taiba will
get himself in trouble and only believes in silly old stories.
28. What is the one thing Katekani believes is needed to carry on?
Faith in a better tomorrow.
29. Why does Regile and Katekani want to go to town?
They want to make money – tips from tourists.
30. Why does Regile need money?
He didn’t hold any money back, but sent all of it to his mother. He could do with some for
himself to buy soap, a new shirt and shorts.
31. Why would some of the recruits struggle to look at Katekani?
One of her legs is shrivelled. They feel sorry for her so it is tough to look her in the eyes.
English First Additional Language Gr 11
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Dreaming of Light Chapter 6