Kunene
12 August 2006
On behalf of the Government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal I, Sibusiso
Ndebele, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal province, pass condolences to the Kunene
family and friends on the passing away of the much beloved and well-travelled
Professor Mazisi Kunene.
We pay tribute to this renowned scholar whose literally works inspired our
communities and contributed towards the social and political development of our
new democracy.
Professor Kunene was a scholar and a writer of note who made his presence
felt in universities and academic institutions throughout the world. At the
height of the apartheid system he left the country to pursue and perfect his
writing skills. He will be remembered for his analytical mind and his ability
to create meaning out of words. His collection of writings in IsiZulu and
English is a reflection of a man of his time.
He will be remembered for among others by his epic titled, Anthem of the
Decades, which was an epic dedicated to the women of Africa. He specifically
dedicated this epic to the goddess Nomkhubulwane, as well as to Queen Nandi,
mother of Shaka, and others which he termed the great "Women of the African
Continent and their Children".
He wrote extensively about the African community and especially the Zulu
belief system, its philosophical basis, its culture, its poetry, its music and
its meaning in relation to the universe.
His style of writing was in the class of the likes of Ali A Mazrui, Nelson
Mandela, Can Themba, and Wole Soyinka.
He has left a legacy of research and documentation which only the present
and future generations of scholars can take forward.
His death is a great loss to the communities of KwaZulu-Natal.
Professor Kunene has contributed not only to the democratisation of our
country and province, but has also helped shape the dialogue and robust
exchanges in academic, social and civil societies.
He will be remembered.
Our hearts goes out to the deceased loved ones. The public will be informed
about the funeral arrangements.
Hamba Kahle Professor Kunene.
For further information contact:
Thulani Sithole (Deputy Director: Media Liaison)
Tel: (033) 341 3428
Cell: 082 317 3727
E-mail: stholtn@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
12 August 2006
Source: SAPA
