Msimangu plans to retire "into a community" where he will
be able to live the life of an ascetic. He will "forswear the world and all
possessions;" it is "the first time that a black man (has) done such a thing in South
Africa." Msimangu has saved a little money, and, as he has no relatives who depend on
him, and with the permission of the Church, he gives the full amount of his savings to
Kumalo. This money will help Kumalo "with all the money (he has) spent in Johannesburg,
and all the new duties (he has) taken up" in shouldering responsibility for his sister,
and the wife and child of his son Absalom, who is most likely soon to be
executed. Msimangu tells Kumalo that as soon as the clergymen hear whether "mercy" will
be granted to his son by the Governor-General-in-Council, one of them will let him know;
if the decision is against the boy, one of them will go to be present with Absalom on
the day of execution, and notify Kumalo when it is done (Chapter
29).
Msimangu, a self-professed "weak and sinful man" upon
whom God has put His hand, has kindly guided Kumalo in his search for his sister and his
son. More knowledgeable than his rural counterpart about the turbulent political and
social situation in South Africa, Msimangu helps Kumalo navigate the unfamiliar
environment of the city. He does everything he can to alleviate the pain the old man
must suffer because of the troubles that have overtaken his family members since they
left the quiet but barren village of Ndotsheni.
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