Mazisi Kunene
Mazisi Kunene was a prominent South African poet and political activist, born on May 12, 1930, in Durban, Natal. He showed an early passion for poetry, particularly in the Zulu language, and gained recognition through his contributions to local newspapers. Kunene pursued higher education at the University of Natal, earning degrees in African studies, where he focused on Zulu poetry. His literary career began to flourish in the 1970s with the publication of significant works such as *Zulu Poems* and epic poems like *Emperor Shaka the Great* and *Anthem of the Decades*, which highlighted Zulu heritage and culture.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Kunene became actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement, representing the African National Congress (ANC) at the United Nations and participating in various international political organizations. After returning to South Africa in 1992, he continued to contribute to academia and literature, publishing several poetry collections in Zulu. Kunene’s legacy is marked by his unwavering dedication to the Zulu language, culture, and the struggle for freedom in South Africa, earning him national and international acclaim. He passed away on August 12, 2006, leaving behind a lasting impact on South African literature and the preservation of Zulu heritage.
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Mazisi Kunene
Poet
- Born: May 12, 1930
- Birthplace: Durban, Natal, South Africa
- Died: August 11, 2006
- Place of death: Durban, South Africa
Biography
Mazisi Kunene was born in Durban, Natal, South Africa, on May 12, 1930. From an early age, he wrote poetry in the Zulu language and published in local newspapers. Kunene earned a B.A., B.A. Honors, and M.A. from the University of Natal, now known as the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His M.A. was in African studies, and his dissertation explored traditional and modern Zulu poetry. In 1956, he won the Bantu Literary Competition.
Kunene left South Africa in 1959, taking a teaching position at the University College in Lesotho. He planned to go to London to begin doctoral studies in comparative literature. However, he was deeply involved in politics and became active in the African National Congress (ANC). In 1962, he became the ANC’s representative at the United Nations. He founded and participated in many international political organizations, including the Committee of African Organizations, and was active in the antiapartheid movement.
In 1970, Kunene published his first book, Zulu Poems. Although he translated his poems into English, Kunene always wrote first in Zulu, believing that African experience must come through African language. The poems in this book make clear his dedication to his cultural heritage.
In 1973, Kunene married Mabowe Mathabo, with whom he had four children. By 1976, Kunene had become well known internationally, and in that year he served as a visiting professor at Stanford University in California. He also was a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles.
In 1979, Kunene published Emperor Shaka the Great: A Zulu Epic, an epic poem based on the life of the great Zulu warrior. He followed this poem in 1981with Anthem of the Decades: A Zula Epic, which tells the creation myths of the Zulu and was dedicated to African women. These two epic poems elicited critical acclaim.
In 1992, Kunene returned to South Africa, where he taught at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. During the 1990’s, Kunene published several poetry collections in the Zulu language, including Isibusiso sikamhawu, Indida yamancasakazi, and Umzwilili wama-Afrika. In 2005, Kunene was honored with the South African Poet Laureate Prize and the M-Net Lifetime Achievement Award. He also was named a National Living Treasure by the Indigenous Knowledge Systems of South Africa Trust.
Kunene died on August 12, 2006, in Durban. His commitment to the Zulu language and to South African freedom as well as his notable poetry make Kunene one of the most important men of letters in South Africa. His work stands as a testimony to the years of struggle endured by the Zulu people and as a remarkable retelling of Zulu myths.