South African Literary Icon Breyten Breytenbach Passes Away at 85
Renowned South African author and poet Breyten Breytenbach, celebrated for his fierce opposition to apartheid, has died at the age of 85. His influential works and activism left an indelible mark on the literary world and the fight for justice in South Africa.
A Life Dedicated to Art and Activism
Breyten Breytenbach was born on September 16, 1939, in Bonnievale, a small town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. He pursued his education at Hoërskool Hugenote and later studied fine arts at the Michaelis School of Fine Art at the University of Cape Town. His early exposure to the injustices of apartheid deeply influenced his artistic and political trajectory.
In the early 1960s, Breytenbach moved to Paris, where he married Yolande Ngo Thi Hoang Lien, a French woman of Vietnamese descent. This union was prohibited under South Africa’s apartheid laws, specifically the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act of 1949 and the Immorality Act of 1950, which criminalized interracial marriages and relationships. Consequently, Breytenbach was unable to return to his homeland, solidifying his status as an exile.
Literary Contributions and Themes
Breytenbach’s literary oeuvre is vast and varied, encompassing poetry, novels, essays, and memoirs. Writing primarily in Afrikaans, he is regarded as one of the most important poets in the language. His works often explore themes of exile, identity, and the human condition, reflecting his personal experiences and broader socio-political observations.
Some of his notable works include:
- Die ysterkoei moet sweet (The Iron Cow Must Sweat) – His debut poetry collection published in 1964, which broke new ground in Afrikaans literature.
- ‘n Seisoen in die Paradys (A Season in Paradise) – A memoir detailing his return to South Africa in the early 1970s.
- The True Confessions of an Albino Terrorist – A harrowing account of his imprisonment in South Africa during the 1970s.
Imprisonment and Continued Activism
In 1975, Breytenbach clandestinely returned to South Africa under a false identity to establish Okhela, an organization aimed at uniting white South Africans in the fight against apartheid. He was arrested and charged with high treason, leading to a nine-year prison sentence, of which he served seven years. During his incarceration, Breytenbach continued to write, producing works that provided a poignant insight into the brutality of the apartheid regime and the resilience of the human spirit.
Post-Apartheid Era and Legacy
Following his release in 1982, Breytenbach returned to Paris and obtained French citizenship. After the end of apartheid in 1994, he became a visiting professor at the University of Cape Town and remained actively involved in South Africa’s cultural and political discourse. His contributions to literature and human rights have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Zbigniew Herbert International Literary Award and the Mahmoud Darwish Award for Creativity.
Impact on South African Literature and Society
Breytenbach’s works have had a profound impact on South African literature, particularly in the Afrikaans language. His innovative use of language and exploration of complex themes have inspired generations of writers and artists. Beyond literature, his unwavering commitment to justice and equality has left an enduring legacy in the fight against oppression.