Renowned South African poet, Breyten Breytenbach, has died

Renowned South African poet, writer, painter and activist, Breyten Breytenbach, has died. He was 85-years-old.

PICTURED: Breyten Breytenbach

In a statement, Breytenbach's family said that he passed away early Sunday morning in Paris, France.

"He passed away peacefully in Paris at the age of 85 – with his wife Yolande by his side," read the statement.

Rest in Peace, Breyten Breytenbach

"en nou om te slaap
te slaap te slaap in slaap
in te slaap verplaas na ruimtes
van sterwe en weer te lewe
wanneer vriende se beurtsang
in die riete langs die oewer bewend
opklink en op reis te gaan na die liefde"…

— Jako Olivier (@jakoli4) November 24, 2024

Breytenbach was born on 16 September 1939 in Bonnievale, Western Cape. He became an opponent of apartheid and left South Africa in 1960, settling in Paris in 1962 with his Viëtnamese wife Yolande Ngo Thi Hoang Lien. He returned to South Africa  in 1975 and arrested where he spent seven years in jail until 1982.

His first published work, Die Ysterkoei Moet Sweet, appeared in 1964.His first published work, Die Ysterkoei Moet Sweet, appeared in 1964. Breytenbach is also known for his paintings, many of which portray surreal animal and human figures, often in captivity.

EXTRACT OF BREYTEN BREYTENBACH's POEM ''EK SAL NA MY VADER GAAN''

He is survived by his wife, Yolande, and daughter Daphnée and two grandsons.

 

Done by: Mitchum George