South Africa Honors Breyten Breytenbach, Anti-Apartheid Icon, at 85

• Nov 25, 2024

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has led tributes to Breyten Breytenbach, the renowned anti-apartheid activist, poet, and artist who passed away at the age of 85. In a heartfelt statement, Ramaphosa praised Breytenbach’s tireless efforts against apartheid and his global influence as a literary and artistic figure.

“Today we mourn the passing of Breyten Breytenbach, 85, a humanist whose strident and sustained literary assault on apartheid and its enforcers and endorsers traversed bookstores, domestic bookshelves, lecture halls, art galleries, and theatre stages around the world,” Ramaphosa said.

Born in Bonnievale, Western Cape, Breytenbach spent much of his life in exile in Paris with his wife, Yolande, and daughter, Daphnée. Ramaphosa extended his condolences to Breytenbach’s family, emphasizing the profound impact of his life and work on South Africa and the world.

A Champion of Freedom

Breytenbach’s opposition to apartheid was as bold as it was creative. His poetry, prose, and visual art gave voice to the struggles of the oppressed, earning him global recognition but also making him a target of the apartheid regime. He was imprisoned for his activism, an experience that further fueled his determination to fight for justice and equality.

“Fearful of his influence on the minority electorate in South Africa and on world opinion, the apartheid regime imprisoned him for opposing the system,” Ramaphosa noted, acknowledging Breytenbach’s resilience in the face of adversity.

A Lasting Legacy

Breytenbach’s passing marks a significant loss for South Africa, not just culturally but historically. His life’s work defied boundaries, inspiring generations of South Africans to stand against oppression and injustice.

President Ramaphosa concluded his tribute with a poignant message: “May his soul rest in peace.”

As the nation mourns, it also celebrates Breytenbach’s invaluable contributions to the anti-apartheid movement and his enduring impact on South Africa’s cultural and political landscape. His work continues to inspire, ensuring that his legacy remains a guiding light in the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.