South African literary giant and anti-apartheid activist Breyten Breytenbach died peacefully in Paris on Sunday at the age of 85, with his wife Yolande by his side. Known for his fearless criticism of apartheid and innovative contributions to literature and the arts, Breytenbach&#8217;s work resonated deeply both locally and internationally.



A Voice Against Injustice



Born on September 16, 1939, in Bonnievale, Western Cape, Breytenbach emerged as a formidable poet, novelist, painter, and activist. Fellow poet Antjie Krog remarked: &#8220;He was a phenomenon within Afrikaans literature. Breyten&#8217;s writing was radical, but he was the first poet, I almost want to say writer, who also lived radically. Breyten confronted us with that thing of, &#8216;Okay, you&#8217;re against apartheid, but how are you living against apartheid?'&#8221;



His 1962 marriage to Yolande Ngo Thi Hoang Lien from Vietnam defied apartheid laws prohibiting interracial unions, marking the beginning of his lifelong resistance against oppression.



Exile and Imprisonment



Breytenbach&#8217;s outspoken opposition to apartheid led him to join Okhela, a separate ideological wing of the African National Congress in exile. In 1975, during a clandestine return to South Africa, he was arrested and charged with treason under the Terrorism Act. Sentenced to nine years in prison, he continued to write prolifically while incarcerated, producing works that would cement his status as a leading literary figure.



&#8220;Our sadness affords us another opportunity to pay tribute to Breyten Breytenbach for the bravery and perseverance with which he stood up to his persecution and prosecution by the apartheid state,&#8221; stated President Cyril Ramaphosa. &#8220;Fearful of his influence on the minority electorate in South Africa and on world opinion, the apartheid regime imprisoned him for opposing the system and channelling through his diverse art forms and political and fraternal affiliations the militancy, tragedy and resilience of our liberation struggle.&#8221;



A Legacy of Literary Excellence



After his release in 1982, Breytenbach returned to France, where he continued his activism and writing. His notable works include The True Confessions of an Albino Terrorist, an account of his imprisonment, and A Season in Paradise. His writings explored themes of exile, identity, and justice, influencing a generation of writers and activists.



&#8220;I don&#8217;t have the words. I don&#8217;t yet have the words to say everything he was. He leaves a huge void. He was the most exceptional being I have ever known. I am immensely proud to call him my father,&#8221; said his daughter, Daphnée Breytenbach, a journalist based in France. She shared cherished family moments, highlighting his role as a father and grandfather.



Global Tributes



The French presidency under Emmanuel Macron honored Breytenbach as a &#8220;ferryman of freedom,&#8221; acknowledging his deep connection to France and his role in awakening global consciences. &#8220;The President of the Republic salutes the figure of a great craftsman of human rights and freedom, who will always be a link between France and South Africa,&#8221; the statement read.



Author Justin Fox also remembered him fondly: &#8220;Breytie was witty, gentle, entertaining and a formidable intellect. He has been a part of my life since childhood. I&#8217;ve always looked up to Breyten as a kind of honorary uncle, an anchor in my life. So long, dearest Breytie; thank you for your generosity, kindness &#8230; and your brilliance.&#8221;



A Life That Inspired



Despite spending much of his life abroad, Breytenbach remained deeply connected to his South African roots. South African writer Antjie Krog emphasized his profound influence: &#8220;Breyten confronted us with that thing of, &#8216;Okay, you&#8217;re against apartheid, but how are you living against apartheid?'&#8221;



Breytenbach is survived by his wife Yolande, daughter Daphnée, and two grandsons. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy endures through his profound contributions to literature and human rights.

Tag: Breyten Breytenbach

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA

Remembering Breyten Breytenbach: The South African Poet Who Challenged Apartheid