By Alicia Mmashakana
Condolences are pouring in for renowned poet, writer and painter, Breyten Breytenbach, who died on Sunday. He was 85.
According to his family he died in Paris.
Breytenbach was a celebrated writer who used his art to protest against the apartheid government’s injustices. He went on to become one of the most influential and celebrated Afrikaans writers of his time, passionate about the language and eager to share it with others.
“Our sadness affords us another opportunity to pay tribute to Breyten Breytenbach for the bravery and perseverance with which he stood up to his persecution and prosecution by the apartheid state,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“Fearful of his influence on the minority electorate in South Africa and on world opinion, the apartheid regime imprisoned him for opposing the system and channeling through his diverse art forms…”
The Democratic Alliance noted that Breytenbach’s poetry always reflected a profound sense of humanity, as well as his own values and nature.
“He was among the best of us, recognised as such well beyond the shores of South Africa,” the party said in a statement.
Western Cape MEC cultural affairs and sport MEC Ricardo Mackenzie said: “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.”
The president sent his deepest condolences to Breytenbach’s wife, Yolande, and the rest of his family.
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