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28 October 2008

Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto has conveyed condolences to the family of Professor Es'kia Mphahlele who is a well-known South African intellectual and a literary giant of international acclaim. Professor Es'kia Mphahlele died last night at his home in Limpopo, Lebowakgomo.

“The death of Professor Es'kia Mphahlele came as a complete shock to us, as we had never contemplated the immediate future of this country without him. Eskia was a scholar par excellence; a man of long letters who had distinguished himself throughout his career as thought provoking and highly critical of established norms and conventions,” said Premier Moloto.

Amongst some of his luminous achievements is his nomination for the 1969 Nobel Prize for Literature, and his bestowal of the Les Palmes Academiques award by the French Government for his contribution to French language and culture. He is also a recipient of the 1998 Order of the Southern Cross bestowed upon him by our former President Nelson Mandela.

In 2000, Professor Mphahlele was acknowledged as Writer of the Century by Tribute Magazine. Subsequently, in 2001, the University Of Venda opened the Es'kia Mphahlele Centre for African Studies in his honour.

"On behalf of government and people of Limpopo, we extend our deep and sincere condolences to his family, friends, the Es'kia Institute, the academic and literary fraternities; and every person who was touched by his unassailable wisdom and intellect. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult momen,t" said Premier Moloto.

May his soul rest in peace!

For more information contact:
Phillimon M Sape
Cell: 083 358 7578

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Limpopo Provincial Government
28 October 2008