College of Human Sciences

Eminent scholar unveils ground-breaking book exploring Africa’s literary and cultural heritage

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In a major literary milestone, Prof Daniel Matjila, of Unisa College of Human Sciences’ Department of African Languages, recently released his highly anticipated book entitled Poetry and Patronage: The Socio-cultural and Historical Vision of LD Raditladi's "Sefalana sa Menate". The book delves into the world of African literature, shedding light on the early works of African writers, and the rich cultural tapestry which inspired them. 

Prof Daniel Matjila

Further, the book seeks to bridge a gap in scholarship by offering a comprehensive analysis of an African writer and poet, LD Raditladi, shedding light on the historical context, societal influences and patronage systems that shaped his poetic endeavours. This critical study not only celebrates Raditladi's contribution to African literature, but also draws attention to the wider literary landscape of the African languages.

As the world grapples with issues of inclusivity and representation, the significance of analysing works from diverse linguistic traditions cannot be overstated. Matjila, who is known for his passion for African languages and literature, dedicated years of meticulous research to this project.

Born in the picturesque village of Phake during the oppressive era of apartheid, his personal connection to the struggles and aspirations of African communities fuelled his commitment to preserve cultural heritage.

Matjila emphasises the importance of studying writers who honed their craft in African languages. He states: “Critical work that focuses on writers of African languages is more important than ever before, if we hope to fully understand early works of African writing and aspirations of those behind them.” Matjila adds: “Such analyses provide critical information on the culture, customs, times and values of the communities that the authors represent.”

Having authored Malakabe novel, Matjila emphasises the need for self-discipline, that working on a first draft daily until the manuscript is done, indicates good writing habits. "When you hit your target word-count for a book, more work lies ahead," he remarks. Matjila continues: "A great book only emerges from subsequent drafts. So, take a deep breath and get started. Now, you have a chance to refine your writing style and fix things."

Indeed, the significance of delving into African literary canon extends beyond mere appreciation for the artistic value of those works. By unravelling the cultural intricacies embedded within them, scholars help to preserve diverse cultural traditions, thereby ensuring that they are not lost in the sands of time.

Poetry and Patronage is a seminal resource for anyone interested in African literature, providing a window into the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and experiences that have shaped the continent's literary heritage.  

* By Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Human Sciences

 

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Publish date: 2023/05/30

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