The renowned South African writer and poet, Breyten Breytenbach has died. He died peacefully in Paris yesterday. He was 85 years old.
Cape Town mourns the passing of Breyten Breytenbach
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who has paid tribute to him, says it’s almost a year ago that Breytenbach was presented with a Civic Honour award in Cape Town, for his contribution to South African literature and his fight against apartheid.
Hill-Lewis has also expressed the City’s condolences to the Breytenbach family after the passing of the acclaimed poet, painter, former political prisoner and Civic Honour awardee.
Breyten Breytenbach Fotograaf : Croes, Rob C. / Anefo Auteursrechthebbende : Nationaal Archief Materiaalsoort : Negatief (zwart/wit) Nummer archiefinventaris : bekijk toegang 2.24.01.05 Bestanddeelnummer : 932-4728
He added, “Almost exactly a year ago, our City awarded Civic Honours to Breyten Breytenbach for his remarkable service to Cape Town and society.
Hill-Lewis says Breytenbach was a founding member of the Sestigers, a dissident Afrikaans literary movement strongly opposing the apartheid regime.
“Also for his vast contribution to South African poetry and literature, and his profound personal sacrifice in opposition to apartheid,” Hill-lewis said.
Die witwolk stort vir die soveelste keer haar hart weldadig uit oor Tafelberg
The City of Cape Town conferred Civic Honours on Breyten Breytenbach on 6 December 2023. He was showered with numerous literary accolades, including the Alan Paton Award, the CNA Prize and the Hertzog Prize for Poetry.
Also, the Western Cape Government has expressed its sadness at the loss of one of the biggest Afrikaans voices of our lifetime.
The provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said: “This is a sad day for literature in our country.
He says Breytenbach was a celebrated writer who used his art as a tool to protest against the injustices of the apartheid government.
Mackenzie says “Breyten Breytenbach was a brave voice of his time, who fought against the injustice that he saw around him.”
Breytenbach, a celebrated writer
Breytenbach was born in Bonnievale in the Western Cape. He spent much of his life abroad but always remained deeply committed to South Africa. Mackenzie says Breytenbach returned to South Africa in 1975 and was imprisoned for 9 years under charges of treason.
“Breyten Breytenbach championed Afrikaans as a language of expression, rather than oppression. His voice will live on for many generations to come,” said Mackenzie.
The Department’s Head of Communications, Tania Colyn says the MEC has expressed his deepest condolences to Breyten’s wife Yolande, his family, friends, and all those who knew him and whose lives were touched by his art.
Merentia joined the media world in 1996 and in 2001, she took her first steps in the broadcasting world. In her free time, she likes to go on adventures in the city. She also likes to learn new dances, not that she is any good at that.
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