Zubeida Jaffer’s Becoming Charlotte is a masterful blend of fact and fiction, a literary undertaking that reintroduces us to one of South Africa’s most revered pioneers—Charlotte Mannya Maxeke. This is the second book by Jaffer to recount Charlotte’s life, but it is by far the most intimate and imaginative retelling yet, focusing on her formative years and illuminating the inner world of a young girl who would become the first Black South African woman to graduate from Ohio University and a formidable freedom fighter.
What struck me most was the seamlessness with which Jaffer weaves historical detail with creative narrative. The story unfolds with grace and cohesion, inviting the reader not just to learn about Charlotte but to feel her childhood dreams, her quiet strength, and her determination take shape. It is a delicate yet purposeful portrayal, grounded in the warmth of familial relationships—particularly the tender and instructive bond between Charlotte and her younger sister Katie, and the warm and protective aura of Charlotte’s father that towered over her life.
The portrayal of Rev Wauchope, the man who became a pivotal supporter of Charlotte’s pursuit of education, is rendered with subtle power. Their relationship reflects a nuanced understanding of allyship and encouragement, especially rare for the era the story is set in. Jaffer’s depiction adds an important dimension to Charlotte’s journey: her rise was not solitary but supported by people who saw the brilliance in her and stood by her aspirations.
The depth of research behind the book is unmistakable—and deeply commendable. Jaffer’s commitment to retracing Charlotte’s footsteps, from speaking with a 101-year-old woman in the village of Ramokgopa who had known Charlotte, to visiting Ohio University and the Charlotte Mannya Maxeke Institute, adds a textured authenticity to the narrative. It is through this rigorous work that she renders the story so vividly that the boundary between fact and fiction fades into a single, flowing narrative.
One of the most profound and unexpected gifts of Becoming Charlotte is the way the author shares her personal reflections at the end of each chapter. This device is rarely used, yet here, it elevates the entire reading experience. Through these reflections, Jaffer draws gentle, honest parallels between Charlotte’s story and her own life—offering readers not only insight into the subject of the book but into the heart and mind of the writer herself. These interludes are deeply moving, creating a contemplative rhythm and reminding us that the stories of women across generations are connected by invisible threads of resilience, longing, and faith.
Ultimately, what shines most powerfully is Charlotte’s tenacity from a young age—her resolve to better her life through education, her clarity of vision, and her extraordinary courage in the face of uncertainty. The incident in which her choir is abandoned overseas stands as a powerful symbol of her bravery and leadership. That all of this unfolded over a century ago makes her achievements not only remarkable but deeply humbling. Her Christian faith, too, played a pivotal role—opening doors through the generosity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which supported her studies abroad and later welcomed her back as a leader in South Africa, where she helped establish the church and its women’s wing.
In Becoming Charlotte, Zubeida Jaffer has done more than narrate history—she has reawakened it, infusing it with emotion, imagination, and relevance. Charlotte Maxeke is no longer a distant figure cast in bronze or textbooks; here, she is a living, breathing girl with dreams, dilemmas, and an indomitable spirit. It has been a privilege to walk with her through these pages—to witness her become.
Zipporah Maubane is the Head of Communications and Advocacy at the African Union Development Agency — NEPAD, where she leads efforts to advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063 its aspirations and goals. She focuses on promoting the continent’s transformation through strategic communications, resource mobilisation and advocacy, driving engagement on key initiatives that aim to make Africa a global powerhouse. With over 28 years of experience, Zipporah has held pivotal roles across various sectors. Prior to joining AUDA-NEPAD, she served as Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at Zutari, Group Executive. She is a qualified coach and focuses on working with female leaders in various phases of transition including career, business and empty-nesting.
