Monday, 10 August 2020

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

15 comments:

  1. Good night Ntate Motheane,please send us the rain to wash away our pain...Hebe!

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  2. Sleep well Father of stories..you left us with enough books to water us

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  3. Rest well Father of stories and master lingo. We will remember you in literature way. Your legacy will live on and give a bright light for generations to come.

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  4. Rest In Peace Ntate Motheane, you will always be remembered by your good heart and dedication in helping young writers..

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  6. Sorry. So sad about your loss

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  7. The late Pa Motheane would be remembered for his passionate dedication to the genre of Writing. His work was more important than some self-styled pundits would admit. For example, I. M Soqaga did write a whole study book on Motheane's literary work. I am not sure if the whole study is online, but I know Soqaga's candid appreciation of Motheane's poetry has been available online, together with an in-depth Interview with Chief Bolaji which discusses Motheane and his contributions to African Literature. That is the way ahead, and much still has to be done to focus on, and celebrate his life and work. We can all learn from Pa Motheane's utter dedication to his craft.

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  8. A colossal loss, a great repository of knowledge departed

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  9. Pa Motheane have published a number of outstanding books, range from fiction, poetry and general articles in the newspaper through weekly Bookshelf column where he wrote about writers like Leseli Mokhele, Gomolemo Mokae, George Rampai, Job Mzamo and the late illustrious Gore Vidal (American). I personally used to visit his house and interviewed him about his literary life which of course begun during his school days. Moreover, I interviewed Mr Omoseye Bolaji about him (Pa Motheane) and the interview is available in the internet for the world to read and understand Pa Motheane colourful literary achievement. Essentially Pa Motheane was an avid African writer whose books are glaringly seen on library shelves throughout the world. Fortunately he presented me with a Magazine (Mangaung Tswelapele) whose intention was to promote grassroots writers and African literature. In the introduction of the new magazine he wrote “I am very happy to welcome you to this new publication, where we celebrate literacy and literature in the Free State, fantastic progress has been made among the grassroots in this wise and we believe that the world must know about our achievements.” Robala ka kgotso moSotho-moAfrika!!!

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  10. WHAT A LOSS!!! He contributed a lot to African Writing, and Literacy

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  11. He made his mark in the literary world.

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  12. A heart rending loss. One of the most prolific writers in Africa, multilingual and no doubt with a consuming love for arts and culture. Adieu

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