Sol Plaatje University invites you to the Book Launch of Revisiting Sol Plaatje’s Mafeking Diary, edited by Sabata-Mpho Mokae and Prof Brian Willan, and published by Jacana Media.
Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje, a luminary in South African literature, left an indelible mark with his Mafeking Diary, a chronicle of the famous siege of 1899-1900, which stands as one of South Africa’s finest pieces of writing and offers a foretaste of his brilliant career. Despite its brilliance, this work has yet to receive the acclaim and attention it deserves.
In this book, 50 years after the diary’s initial publication, a distinguished cast of contributors shed new light on the remarkable qualities of the diary and the circumstances surrounding its creation, giving readers new insight into the life and writings of Sol Plaatje. Three short stories, inspired by the diary, complete the collection.
Sol Plaatje was born 147 years ago on 9 October 1876, and SPU found it befitting to launch the book during his birthday month to celebrate both his life and his wonderful diary.
Contributors to the book:
Vivien Bickford-Smith, John Comaroff, Kevin Davie, Siphiwo Mahala, Andrew Manson, Lesley Mofokeng, Sabata-Mpho Mokae, Bill Nasson, Laurence Wright, Andries Walter Oliphant, Stephen Volz and Brian Willan.
We extend a warm invitation to all staff, students and book lovers to join us in honouring this literary giant and his timeless work. Please join us for the book launch taking place at 15:00 on Friday, 20 October 2023, at the Library Auditorium on Central Campus.
The event will also be livestreamed on the official SPU YouTube channel, link: https://youtube.com/live/76kXrXdecic?feature=share.
