ANC Pays Tribute to Writer, Activist and National Poet Laureate Keorapetse Kgositsile
3 January 2018
The African National Congress (ANC) lowers its revolutionary banner in mourning on the passing of the internationally renowned writer, activist and revolutionary, Professor Keorapetse Kgositsile.
The literary great and national Poet Laureate, fondly known as Bra Willie, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79. Tributes have been pouring in from around the globe; an indication of the breadth of his influence on young and old alike - and the impact of his work.
Comrade Kgositsile has left an indelible mark on the cultural and artistic life of not only the land of his birth, but also of Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Zambia and Harlem, New York.
Comrade Kgositsile was an ANC stalwart who dedicated his life to the liberation of South Africa; he was a founding member of the ANC’s Department of Education in 1977 and Department of Arts and Culture in 1983.
A prolific and celebrated writer and poet, he was bestowed with the Order of Ikhamanga in 2008. During his time in the United States he wrote extensively on the influence of jazz music on African-American culture and on the unity of the African diaspora. He was a passionate pan-Africanist whose work was infused with his commitment to the ideal of a free, prosperous and united African continent.
The tapestry of South African cultural life is all the poorer at his loss and the ANC joins all South Africans in mourning the passing of this great man.
The ANC calls on government to forge ahead with its quest to make more African literature available in our schools: in order to expose new generations of South Africans to the works of Bra Willie and many others.
The ANC extends its condolences to the Kgositsile family and wishes them strength during this difficult time.
Hamba Kahle Bra Willie; legend, patriot, revolutionary.
Issued by the African National Congress
Enquiries
Zizi Kodwa 082 330 4910
Khusela Diko 072 854 5707
The African National Congress (ANC) lowers its revolutionary banner in mourning on the passing of the internationally renowned writer, activist and revolutionary, Professor Keorapetse Kgositsile.
The literary great and national Poet Laureate, fondly known as Bra Willie, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79. Tributes have been pouring in from around the globe; an indication of the breadth of his influence on young and old alike - and the impact of his work.
Comrade Kgositsile has left an indelible mark on the cultural and artistic life of not only the land of his birth, but also of Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Zambia and Harlem, New York.
Comrade Kgositsile was an ANC stalwart who dedicated his life to the liberation of South Africa; he was a founding member of the ANC’s Department of Education in 1977 and Department of Arts and Culture in 1983.
A prolific and celebrated writer and poet, he was bestowed with the Order of Ikhamanga in 2008. During his time in the United States he wrote extensively on the influence of jazz music on African-American culture and on the unity of the African diaspora. He was a passionate pan-Africanist whose work was infused with his commitment to the ideal of a free, prosperous and united African continent.
The tapestry of South African cultural life is all the poorer at his loss and the ANC joins all South Africans in mourning the passing of this great man.
The ANC calls on government to forge ahead with its quest to make more African literature available in our schools: in order to expose new generations of South Africans to the works of Bra Willie and many others.
The ANC extends its condolences to the Kgositsile family and wishes them strength during this difficult time.
Hamba Kahle Bra Willie; legend, patriot, revolutionary.
Issued by the African National Congress
Enquiries
Zizi Kodwa 082 330 4910
Khusela Diko 072 854 5707
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