In brief
Breytenbach, celebrated for his staunch opposition to apartheid and his impactful writings, died peacefully in Paris with his family beside him.
Breyten Breytenbach, the esteemed anti-apartheid writer and artist, has died at the age of 85. His family announced that he passed away in his sleep in Paris, with his wife Yolande by his side. A powerful voice against apartheid, Breytenbach served time in prison during the 1970s for his beliefs. Known for his remarkable intellect and artistic talent, he was fondly referred to as "the only nice South African" by the British puppet show Spitting Image. Born on September 16, 1939, in the Western Cape, he became an influential figure among Afrikaans poets, aiming to both celebrate and critique the language amidst apartheid's grim reality. Even while in self-imposed exile in Europe, he maintained a steadfast critique of the regime. His literature flourished even during his imprisonment after a clandestine return to South Africa in 1975, where he faced a harsh sentence for terrorism. Breytenbach's prison experience culminated in his acclaimed novel, *The True Confessions of an Albino Terrorist*, a poignant reflection of his nine years behind bars.Once apartheid ended, he continued to voice his opinion, even criticizing the African National Congress (ANC) for losing its way. Not only influential in South Africa, Breytenbach also made his mark internationally, advocating for justice in various global conflicts. His contributions to literature include over 50 published books, and he was a celebrated painter, often depicting themes of captivity. Breytenbach was awarded France’s top cultural honor, becoming a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. He is survived by his wife, daughter Daphnée, and two grandsons.
