Genre romance
Narrator Bonolo Malevu
Language english
He Forgave Her is a short dramatic piece by Herbert Isaac Ernest Dhlomo, exploring themes of betrayal, forgiveness, morality, and redemption within a modernizing African society. Written in the 1930s or 1940s, the play reflects Dhlomo’s Christian-influenced moral worldview and his desire to use theatre as a vehicle for social instruction and transformation. The story centers on a man named Sibusiso, who is deeply wronged by a woman—his former lover or wife—who betrays his trust, possibly through infidelity or abandonment. Rather than respond with anger or vengeance, Sibusiso chooses a path of moral strength and Christian forgiveness, ultimately deciding to forgive her despite the pain she has caused. His act of forgiveness is portrayed not as weakness, but as spiritual triumph, offering a model of ethical conduct in contrast to the violent or punitive reactions often seen in similar circumstances. The play challenges the audience to consider the value of compassion, dignity, and inner peace over pride and revenge.