When Rain Clouds Gather

In the opening pages of Bessie Head’s novel When Rain Clouds Gather, Makhaya Maseko, an educated young man, is preparing to cross the border that separates South Africa from Botswana. Makhaya is disillusioned with South African society, which is premised on discrimination against black men such as him. He sets out at night, successfully evades border patrols, and arrives in Botswana. There, he registers with the authorities and meets a welcoming companion, an old man named Dinorego, who takes Makhaya to his home village of Golema Mmidi.

Golema Mmidi has been a site of activity and transformation in agriculture. Gilbert, a vigorous young Englishman, has been trying to restructure the farming and cattle raising in the area in order to produce cash crops and higher-grade beef. While Gilbert has gained an ally in Dinorego—and has a warm relationship with Dinorego’s daughter Maria—Gilbert has also made an enemy of the local chief, Matenge, a pompous and insecure man. Fortunately, Gilbert and Makhaya take a liking to one another, and Makhaya decides to help Gilbert foster improved agricultural practices among the villagers. A case of high blood pressure sends Matenge to the hospital, and for a time the two innovators carry on without his interference.