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GUYBON BUNDLWANA SINXO |
The man is a voluminous writer. He is dramatist, essayist, critic, novelist,
historian, humourist, biographer, translator and poet. The popularity
of the Xhosa language is due to his untiring efforts. Against a strong
opposition he preached the doctrine that Xhosa could be made respectable
and powerful language. Not only did Mr. Mqhayi preach but also practised
this doctrine. And undoubtedly it was the opposition with which he met
at first that produced from his fertile brain the Life of Samson
and Ityala lama Wele---the best original book in Xhosa language
and his best seller. Mr. S. E. Kr. Mqhayi [is] known throughout Bantu
South Africa as the National Poet. . . . and by pen and word of mouth
created a Renaissance in our literature. . . . I put 'Poet' last in the
list not that poetry is the least of his accomplishments but for emphasis's
sake as that is what the man really is. Every day of his life the public
is thrilled by his sublime productions through the press, through his
books and other publications. I can safely say that the present popularity
of the Xhosa language owes much to this African genius and that many a
budding author and journalist began writing through the influence of this
great man. - Guybon B. Sinxo, "Notable Contribution to X[h]osa Literature:
Mr. Mqhayi Creates Xhosa Renaissance", The Bantu World, July
20, 1935. |