The poetry of South Africa covers a broad range of themes, forms, and styles. This article seeks to identify the major poets of South Africa and describe their works and influence.
Notable poets
The following poets have contributed a large amount to South Africa's poetic character in the 20th century.
Lionel Abrahams
Main article: Lionel Abrahams
Lionel Abrahams (1928 - May 30, 2004) was a poet, novelist, editor, essayist, and publisher. Abrahams's work is largely philosophical, praising integrity and compassion. His poems are characterized by free verse with emotional strength.
Tatamkulu Afrika
Main article: Tatamkulu Afrika
Although born in Egypt, Tatamkulu Afrika (December 7, 1920 - December 23, 2002) went to South Africa at an early age. His first volume of poetry, Nine Lives was published in 1991. Afrika's poetry is rich in natural imagery, and the mood of his poems differ, from simple and innocent to lonely and frightened.
Gabeba Baderoon
Main article: Gabeba Baderoon
Gabeba Baderoon (1969 - ) is a female poet born in Cape Town. Her poetry has a tone of calmness and quiet, but it focuses on the moral issues of cultural identity and the meaning of life.
Michael Cope
Main article: Michael Cope
The son of writer Jack Cope , Michael Cope (1952 - ) is a jeweller and novelist as well as a poet. Cope's first volume of poetry, Scenes and Visions , was published in 1990. His works detail people, their stories, and environmental imagery. Much of his poetry also quietly offers Cope's views on world-wide issues, such as business and poverty.
Patrick Cullinan
Main article: Patrick Cullinan
Patrick Cullinan (1932 - ) has published eight volumes of poetry, an anthology on the work of Lionel Abrahams, a biography of Robert Jacob Gordon , and a novel, Matrix . Born in Pretoria, he was educated in Johannesburg and Europe. Cullinan's poetic style is dreamy and full of imagery, with a recurring theme of love. He was given the title cavaliere in 2003 by the government of Italy for his work translating much of his poetry into Italian.
Ingrid de Kok
Main article: Ingrid de Kok
Isobel Dixon
Main article: Isobel Dixon
Finuala Dowling
Main article: Finuala Dowling
Keorapetse Kgositsile
Main article: Keorapetse Kgositsile
Antjie Krog
Main article: Antjie Krog
Mzi Mahola
Main article: Mzi Mahola
Seitlhamo Motsapi
Main article: Seitlhamo Motsapi
Charle-Pierre Naudé
Main article: Charle-Pierre Naudé
Mxolisi Nyezwa
Main article: Mxolisi Nyezwa
Karen Press
Main article: Karen Press
Others
See also
External link
Last updated: 10-25-2005 10:32:46
