The esteemed anti-apartheid writer and activist Breyten Breytenbach has passed away at the age of 85, as confirmed by his family. He died peacefully in his sleep in Paris, with his wife, Yolande, by his side.
Breytenbach was not only a poet and novelist but also a painter who dedicated his life to fighting against apartheid and advocating for a better world.
Breytenbach’s sharp intellect and artistic prowess earned him significant admiration. During the oppressive days of apartheid, the British satirical puppet show *Spitting Image* famously referred to him as “the only nice South African” in a song, highlighting his unique position as both a dissident and a beloved figure.
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Former French education minister Jack Lang shared a poignant tribute on social media, calling Breytenbach “a rebel with a tender heart” who actively participated in struggles for human rights.
This acknowledgement reflects the profound impact Breytenbach had not only in South Africa but across the globe.
Born on September 16, 1939, in the Western Cape, Breytenbach grew up in a family of five. While he spent much of his life abroad, he remained deeply connected to his South African heritage.
He attended the University of Cape Town and became part of the Sestigers, a group of Afrikaans writers who celebrated the beauty of their language while critiquing the injustices of the apartheid regime.
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written by @enock katamba
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Enock Katamba – Journalist | Founder of Uncovered Ug (uncoveredug.com)
Enock Katamba is a Ugandan journalist and founder of Uncovered Uganda, a digital online news platform covering health, national news, entertainment, celebrity gossip, music, education, business, sports, and international news. He focuses on delivering accurate, timely, and reliable information to keep the public informed.
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