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.