National Library showcases books of late Prof Mphahlele |
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In his honour, the National Library of South Africa has placed the published material of late Professor Es'kia Mphahlele,on display, for members of the public to view.
Prof Mphahlele passed away on Monday in the Lebowakgomo Hospital in Limpopo.
He was an illustrious author of two autobiographies, more than thirty short stories, two verse plays and a number of poems.
Paying tribute to the late Prof Mphahlele at the library on Friday, National Librarian, John Tsebe, said the exhibition was in honour and recognition of the works of Professor Mphahlele.
"We recognise the role of this author. Let us not cry but celebrate his life," said Mr Tsebe.
Prof Mphahlele launched his literary career with the publication of "Man Must Live" in 1946. It was the second collection of short stories in
English by an African writer after "Dark Testament" by Peter Abrahams, who had been his classmate at St Peter's.
His literary and academic career took off in exile while his career as a novelist produced "The Wanderers", a novel of exile originally submitted as a dissertation for his PhD in creative writing.
Mr Tsebe described the late Mphahlele as a person of letters and who also had a unique style of writing.
Professor Muxe Nkondo, Chairperson of the Board of the National Library of South Africa and long time friend of the late Prof Mphahlele said his legacy must be preserved.
In a career spanning sixty years, Prof Mphahlele received many international awards, among them, several honorary doctoral degrees and
the Les Palmes Academiques medal from the French government recognising his contribution to French language and culture.
In 1968, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature and in 1998 former President Nelson Mandela awarded him the Order of the Southern Cross.
Prof Mphahlel's funeral service will be held at Seleteng village in Ga-Mphahlele outside Lebowakgomo on Saturday. |
