Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali, a South African poet, is best known for his groundbreaking work during the apartheid era. Born on this day January 17, 1940 in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal, Mtshali’s words captured the harsh realities of apartheid, capturing the attention and hearts of many around the world. His work served not only as a source of inspiration for many but also as a powerful tool for political resistance against a brutal regime.
After obtaining his secondary education, Mtshali moved to Johannesburg where he worked as a messenger – a job that exposed him to the harsh living conditions in the city’s townships. These experiences would later become the foundation of his poetry. His debut collection, Sounds of a Cowhide Drum, published in 1975, was a vivid portrayal of life under apartheid. The book quickly became a classic and is still highly regarded today for its potent mix of poignant storytelling and raw emotion.
Throughout his career, Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali used poetry as a means to give voice to the oppressed and marginalized communities in South Africa. He continuously challenged the oppressive apartheid regime through his work, fearlessly expressing the pain, struggle, and hopes of his people. His poetry was not only pioneering in its unflinching depiction of apartheid life but also in its use of indigenous African languages and idioms, contributing significantly to the development of South African literature.
Despite facing censorship and persecution from the apartheid government, Mtshali never wavered in his commitment to social justice. His work has been widely recognized for its significant contribution to literature and social activism. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2013 for his literary contributions.
Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali’s life and works represent a significant chapter in South Africa’s literary and social history. His pioneering poetry is a testament to the power of words as tools for resistance, change, and liberation. His legacy continues to inspire future generations in their quest for social justice and equality.
The Shepherd And His Flock
The rays of the sun
are like a pair of scissors
cutting the blanket
of the dawn from the sky.
The young shepherd
drives the master’s sheep
from the paddock
into the veld.
His bare feet
kick the grass
and spill the dew
like diamonds
on a cutter’s table
A lamb strays away
enchanted by the marvels
of summer morning
The ram
rebukes the ewe
“Woman! Woman!
Watch over the child!”
The sun wings up
on flaming petal
of a sunflower.
He perches on an ant heap
to play the reed flute
and to salute
the farmer’s children
going to school
and dreamily asks,
“O! Wise Sun above,
Will you ever guide
me into school?”
-Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali
Curated by Jennifer
