Pretoria - The local literary fraternity is mourning the death of the first black woman to have a book published in South Africa, Miriam Tlali.
Author, scholar and activist Tlali passed away at the weekend, aged 83.
“We have learned with deep sadness of the passing of one of the country’s internationally celebrated black female authors, Ms Tlali, who played a critical role during the liberation struggle by telling a true South African story through her anti-apartheid novels, amongst other writings,” President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday.
The President said Tlali will be remembered for her outstanding literary work which earned her several accolades and honours including the Order of Ikhamanga which was bestowed on her for her excellent intellectual achievements and contribution to the development of literature in South Africa.
“We wish to convey our deepest condolences to her family, relatives and all in the arts and culture industry. May her soul rest in peace,” President Zuma said.
Tlali is the author of the renowned novel called “Muriel at Metropolitan” published in 1975.
She also wrote, among others, internationally acclaimed black consciousness novel “Amandla” in 1980. - SAnews.gov.za
