Breyten Breytenbach, the celebrated South African poet and writer, has passed away at the age of 85 in Paris, his family confirmed on Sunday. Known for his strong opposition to South Africa’s apartheid regime, Breytenbach made significant contributions to Afrikaans literature. His works often focused on themes of exile and identity, as well as his unwavering stance against racial segregation.
In 1975, Breytenbach was arrested during a secret visit to South Africa after moving to France. He was accused of supporting the African National Congress (ANC) in its fight against apartheid. Convicted of treason, he was sentenced to seven years in prison, a period he later detailed in his book Confessions of an Albino Terrorist. After his release, he continued his activism from Paris, staying closely connected to his South African roots.
Breytenbach’s literary legacy, which includes works like A Season in Paradise, has had a lasting impact on both South African and global literature. Born in the Western Cape in 1939, his life was deeply intertwined with his homeland, even though he spent much of it living abroad. He is survived by his wife Yolande, daughter Daphnée, and two grandsons.
