The article is dedicated to the study of political biography of Solomon T. Plaatje (1876–1932), a journalist and a great public figure in South Africa. His life and work were an example of the challenges that the first generation of African intellectuals faced in the end of XIX – first half of the XX centuries. Plaatje was noted for his sincere devotion to western values but also for his eagerness to keep his own people’s traditions. He was one of the pioneers of the resistance movement in South Africa and one of the founding members of the South African Native National Congress (future ANC). Assimilating the European culture, Plaatje at the same time strived for keeping own identity in which the race has played a certain part. It would be impossible to understand Plaatje’s activities and views without analysis of his historical background.