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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.
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 acknowledgment reflects the profound impact Breytenbach had not only in South Africa but across the globe.
Roots in South Africa
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.
As apartheid entrenched itself, the Afrikaans language became increasingly tied to the oppressive regime. Breytenbach articulated his complex relationship with the language, stating, “I’d never reject Afrikaans as a language, but I reject it as part of the Afrikaner political identity.” This distinction marked his evolving identity as he distanced himself from Afrikaner nationalism.
In 1960, Breytenbach left South Africa for self-imposed exile, primarily in Europe, while remaining a vocal critic of apartheid. His journey eventually led him to France, where he met his wife, Yolande Ngo Thi Hoang Lien.
Their interracial marriage faced legal challenges, as South Africa’s apartheid laws denied her a visa due to her being classified as “non-white.”
Arrest and imprisonment
In 1975, at the peak of his literary career, Breytenbach made a secret return to South Africa, where he was arrested for attempting to support resistance groups. He received a seven-year prison sentence for terrorism but continued to write poetry while incarcerated. His release in 1982 was facilitated by then French President François Mitterrand, and he subsequently became a French citizen.
His imprisonment inspired one of his most significant works, *The True Confessions of an Albino Terrorist*, which recounts his harrowing experiences during his seven-year sentence, including two years in solitary confinement. This poignant narrative serves as a testament to his resilience and commitment to justice.
After the end of apartheid, Breytenbach remained a critical voice, expressing disappointment with the African National Congress (ANC) and labeling it a “corrupt organization.” His commitment to justice extended beyond South Africa; in 2002, he published an open letter in *The Guardian* addressing Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, condemning the injustices faced by Palestinians.
Throughout his lifetime, Breytenbach published over 50 books, many of which have been translated into multiple languages. In addition to his literary contributions, he was known for his surreal paintings that often explored themes of captivity and freedom.
In recognition of his artistic and literary achievements, Breytenbach was honored as a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, France’s highest cultural distinction. He leaves behind a legacy of courage and creativity, survived by his wife Yolande, daughter Daphnée, and two grandsons.
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