KGANG ABEL MOTHEANE DIES

 

The literary community in the Free State, South Africa, and beyond is reeling after the demise of Kgang Abel Motheane, poet, essayist, story-teller, folklorist and columnist.

Motheane, who published well over 50 books, was one of Africa's most prolific authors. His debut work was African Night Fire Stories, and thereafter he went on to bring out numerous other books which remain a tribute to his fecund imagination and zest.

Motheane (below, on the right) wrote in many languages, including Setswana, Sesotho, Afrikaans, Isizulu, Isixhosa, and English. His topics embraced fiction, poetry, education, African mores and trends, and even Romance.

His passion for the written word was legendary (which also prodded him to become a Publisher). Even in his 70s and 80s, he loved frequenting literary gatherings and readings, and he was also a Columnist for many years, reviewing books and journals.

He loved emphasizing the need for Africans to read, to learn from and revere other wordsmiths. As he would say, "I fell in love with books from an early age. I go to the Libraries everytime. What a thrill for me when I began to see my own books on library shelfs! Never mind that I was over 60 when I published my first book..."

- O Bolaji

Kgang Abel Motheane 

Tribute poem by Tiisetso M. Thiba

The sad dark cloud has covered us again!

While enjoying reading your wisdom

Hearing you talking agony and joy

You have been through all these moons

Your pen decided to run dry

But of course we will follow

Your ink through papers

With your trademark prolific name on them

And draw comfort right there

Master lingo 

Look, many thought they knew you better 

But you were difficult to be encoded

Whilst one was thinking

You will come from the mountains of Kingdom of Lesotho 

You made us liars

And emerged from Batswana land

How wise you were

In juggling sundry lingo's in your papers! 

Alright, now ...

Through your legacy we will find answers 

And light to pass through this darkness 

 

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

African night fire stories by Kgang Abel Motheane

Now a days poetry by Kgang Abel Motheane           

Never say goodbye by Kgang Abel Motheane          

My first book published among others by Kgang Abel Motheane          

Dikgang murder investigations by Kgang Abel Motheane            

Hlompho ya bana batswading ke lefa by Kgang Abel Motheane            

Lenyora la lerato le bophelo bo botle by Kgang Abel Motheane

Senkganang se nthola morwalo by Kgang Abel Motheane           

Batho ba sa hlompheng bo bona ba iphoqa by Kgang Abel Motheane

Meqoqo le maele setjhabeng by Kgang Abel Motheane