The passing of revered Afrikaans poet and ex-political prisoner, Breyten Breytenbach marks the closing chapter of a voice that sought justice through verse.
The Breytenbach family confirmed in a statement that he had passed on peacefully on Sunday in Paris, France, with his now widow Yolande by his side.
“A vocal opponent of apartheid, Breytenbach joined Okhela, a separate ideological wing of the ANC in exile, and was imprisoned upon his clandestine return to South Africa in 1975.
Despite this, his artistic and literary contributions flourished, cementing his place as one of South Africa’s most courageous and visionary figures.
“Since Breyten’s 80th birthday, he had been exploring denouement towards death, and expressing his uncomfortable discoveries through his art and writings. In this way he had the courage to give form to the forever formlessness from which we come, and to which we shall surely return,” the statement read.
Breytenbach was born in Bonnievale, Western Cape, in 1939, and was one of five siblings.
Breytenbach’s death at age 85 has left a mark not only in the landscape of South African literature, but his literary reputation spread internationally, with work having been translated into Dutch, English, French and German.
His opposition to apartheid saw him leave South Africa for Paris and publishing his first work during 1964, Die Ysterkoei Moet Sweet (The Iron Cow Must Sweat). He returned to South Africa in 1975 when he was arrested.
According to South Africa History Online, Breytenbach pleaded guilty to entering South Africa to start an organisation, Atlas or Okhela, which intended to be the white wing of the ANC.
Charged with treason under the draconian Terrorism Act, he was sentenced in the Pretoria Supreme Court to nine years in prison. Even while in prison Breytenbach was prolific, writing five volumes of poetry and English prose.
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Ricardo Mackenzie said Breytenbach’s legacy would live on through the Breytenbach Centre in Wellington.
“This is a sad day for literature in our country. Breyten Breytenbach was a brave voice of his time, who fought against the injustice that he saw around him, and who championed Afrikaans as a language of expression, rather than oppression. His voice will live on for many generations to come,” said Mackenzie.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis conveyed the City’s condolences on the passing of the acclaimed poet, painter, former political prisoner and civic honour awardee.
“He was a genius creator of transcendent beauty who captured our emotions, forced us to think, and demonstrated during the dark days of our country’s past that the pen is far mightier than the sword.
“May his soul rest in peace,” said Hill-Lewis.
Cape Times