The play begins in New Brighton, a township in South Africa. Just before opening his business for the day, a photographer named Styles tells the story of his past to the audience. He reads a newspaper article about a car factory and begins recalling his time working at a Ford Motor Company plant. He shares many stories of his former boss's cruelty and aggressiveness.
Then he begins to talk about how he first got into photography and managed to make a living from it, despite the doubts of his friends and family. He talks about his work and describes an instance where he took a meaningful family photograph. His reminiscences are interrupted by the arrival of a customer. The customer is somewhat mysterious and says very little about himself.
The customer claims that his name is Robert Zwelinzima. Notice that the man is nervous, Styles asks what the picture is for. The man says he intends to send it in a letter to his wife. Styles tries to get him to behave in a more animated manner in the picture. Styles takes his picture and then the scene freezes. The man reads a letter to his wife, Nowetu.
In the letter, the man says that "Sizwe Bansi," his real name, is dead. He reports that he, Sizwe, came to Port Elizabeth to find a new job and was facing the prospect of deportation. He says that he met up with his friend Zola who tried to help him find work. Zola introduced him to another friend, Buntu, who said he might be able to assist him with his problems.
The play transitions into Sizwe Bansi's past. Buntu and Sizwe sit at a table and talk. Sizwe introduces himself. He then recounts how Zola's house was raided and he was brought to an administrative office. In the office, his passbook was stamped and he was required to report to another office where he would be deported from his town.
Sizwe says he might be able to sell potatoes as a street vendor. Buntu says getting the proper license for that kind of work would be too difficult. Buntu suggests he go work in the mines, but Sizwe says that work is too dangerous. They discuss his situation for a bit longer and then decide to go out for a drink. Later, Sizwe is drunk and wandering through the streets with Buntu.
Buntu looks for a place to use the bathroom. Sizwe talks to himself briefly before Buntu comes running back. He says that they must leave immediately. Sizwe asks why and then Buntu says that he has discovered a dead body. Sizwe suggests that they try and report what they've found, but Buntu says they will likely just be framed for a crime. He says they should just leave things be.
The two decide to look at the man's passbook. The man's papers say that he is able to remain in the country for work. Buntu tells Sizwe he should take the dead man's papers. Sizwe hesitates but Buntu pushes the issue. He reminds him that his family needs him and that he is clinging to his name because he is too prideful. He tells Sizwe he is overlooking a great opportunity. Sizwe eventually relents and agrees to take the man's papers.
They return to Buntu's house and come up with a plan that will allow Sizwe to use the passbook. Sizwe memorizes several important details. He resolves to start fresh and assume this man's identity. He finishes his letter to Nowetu, saying he will send money and will try to bring her and the children to Port Elizabeth by Christmas. The play ends with Styles taking Sizwe's photograph.
