Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Saturday, November 9, 2013
K. P. D MAPHALLA’S NEW BOOK
Kgotso P. David Maphalla has
released his latest published work, titled SESOTHO
SE TENG (meaning Sesotho language is still present/dynamic). The book is published
by the go-ahead MBALI PRESS based in Ladybrand and Lesotho.
Pundits have pointed out
that this latest work (poetry) essentially focuses on dirges festooning king chiefs and
laymen; “a rather elegiac fulmination” as respected literary critic P Lechesa
couches it.
Maphalla needs little or
no introduction to countless readers who appreciate Sesotho writing. “KPD Maphalla
is one of the all-time greats of Sesotho literature. Less than 60 years old he
has already published well over 40 books! The University of the Free State
honoured him with an Honorary Doctorate in 2007 thanks to his excellence in
writing in his Mother tongue.
For many years (apart from those who knew the man personally) rumours circulated that the author (Maphalla) was a “syndicate”; that there was no way any writer, especially a black African one, could be so prolific. (Perhaps there are parallels here with the English writer Enid Blyton who in her lifetime wrote and published so many books that many wondered whether this was humanly possible). But Dr. Maphalla has been seen physically at literary gatherings, especially whilst being honoured more than a few times. He is certainly not a myth!
Maphalla's works of fiction in the Sesotho language are liberally read and studied in many schools in South Africa. Studies on the man’s works have also been published by scholars. The distinguished writer has not enjoyed the best of health in recent times, but this does not mean he is no longer writing.
Maphalla never seems to rest on his laurels. He is already a legend, following in the footsteps of the likes of Thomas Mofolo and JJ Moiloa, distinguished Sesotho writers (now deceased) Other works written by KPD Maphalla – who started writing as a young man from his QwaQwa base – include Mohlahlobi, and Ha Ditswere Di Tsanyaola…”
For many years (apart from those who knew the man personally) rumours circulated that the author (Maphalla) was a “syndicate”; that there was no way any writer, especially a black African one, could be so prolific. (Perhaps there are parallels here with the English writer Enid Blyton who in her lifetime wrote and published so many books that many wondered whether this was humanly possible). But Dr. Maphalla has been seen physically at literary gatherings, especially whilst being honoured more than a few times. He is certainly not a myth!
Maphalla's works of fiction in the Sesotho language are liberally read and studied in many schools in South Africa. Studies on the man’s works have also been published by scholars. The distinguished writer has not enjoyed the best of health in recent times, but this does not mean he is no longer writing.
Maphalla never seems to rest on his laurels. He is already a legend, following in the footsteps of the likes of Thomas Mofolo and JJ Moiloa, distinguished Sesotho writers (now deceased) Other works written by KPD Maphalla – who started writing as a young man from his QwaQwa base – include Mohlahlobi, and Ha Ditswere Di Tsanyaola…”
As the year 2013 peters
to an end, Maphala has vouchsafed that at the moment he is putting finishing
touches to a novel entitled HAESO KE KAE
meaning “Where is my homestead”
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