John Chinaman on the Rand

"John Chinaman on the Rand" by Anonymous is a critical exploration of the early 20th century South African society. The book exposes the grim realities faced by Chinese laborers brought to work in the Rand mines. The author, through a historical lens, shines a light on the mistreatment, exploitation, and severe conditions these workers were subjected to, showing how the pursuit of wealth in the mining industry led to the dehumanization of an entire group of people. Dr. John Clifford's introduction sets a moral tone, condemning the government's role in promoting a system of indentured servitude, while the opening chapter details the sequence of events that brought about the shift from native labor to Chinese coolies. Prioritizing profits above morality, the book paints a stark picture of the injustices suffered by these laborers, positioning the work as an indictment of colonial practices and their devastating human costs.