S.E.K. Mqhayi: forerunner to democratic South Africa

Abstract

Samuel Edward Krune Mqhayi (1875–1945) is considered a pioneer in the development of Xhosa literature. He lived in an era when Xhosa society gradually moved from being an oral society to one in which the printed word started to make its influence felt. He very successfully bridged this divide by operating not only as an imbongi but by also producing a wealth of written forms. This article attempts to portray Mqhayi as a forerunner to present-day democratic South Africa. His writings as well as his oral poetry suggest that he had strong views on multiculturalism, democratic principles, globalization and Christianity, and that he was ahead of his time. It is further suggested that the role he played during his time implicitly contributed to the developments that led up to 1994 and the political liberation of his people and of all South Africans and that he should be acknowledged as such.

S.Afr.J.Afr.Lang., 2006, 3