10th POETRY AFRICA The Mazisi Kunene Project The 10 th Poetry Africa International Poetry Festival, which takes place in Johannesburg on 7 October, and in Durban from 9 to 14 October, celebrates an array of poetic voices from all over the world. To mark its 10 th edition, the festival will this year focus on indigenous literature, and the work of the late Mazisi Kunene in particular. This pilot project aims to celebrate the life of the remarkable poet. In partnership with the Mazisi Kunene Foundation, the project will highlight Kunene 's contribution to the literary world, and encourage a culture of reading and writing in indigenous languages. Young Durban poets Siyabonga Sikhakhane, Mxolisi Mtshali, Ayanda Chamane, Zithobile Mswazi and Zama Zuma will visit schools and offer a dynamic and insightful presentation on the background of the late Mazisi Kunene, readings and performances of his work, followed by interactive discussions about Kunene 's work. The Mazisi Kunene Project is an expression of Poetry Africa's commitment to conscientising young people in particular about the value of indigenous literary work. For more info: http://www.cca.ukzn.ac.za/images/pa/pa2006/pg/Mazisi_Kunene.htm

From left to right Behind Mrs. Kunene (Centre) Ayanda Chamane, Andries Botha (Masizi Kunene Trust) , Peter Rorvik (CCA), Thulani Cele (CCA), Zama Zuma, Rose Mokhosi (CCA), Seated in front row: Siyabonga Sikhakhane, Zithobile Mswazi, and Mxolisi Mtshali

UMAFRIKA COMMEMORATIVE INSERT ON KUNENE - Published 25 - 31 August 2006

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MAZISI RAYMOND FAKAZI MNGONI KUNENE - 12 MAY 1930 to 11 AUGUST 2006

There was a public Memorial Service for the late Professor Kunene held at the Durban City Hall on Saturday, the nineteenth of August 2006 at 9am. Present or speaking at the event were the First Lady, Mrs. Mbeki, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Dlamini Zuma reading a message from the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Mbeki, Prof. Kgositsile reading a message from the Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr. Z. Pallo Jordan, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr. Ndebele, Dr. Buthelezi, his Worship the Mayor of Durban, Mr. Mlaba, Dr. Brigalia Bam (MC), Mrs. Loretta Ngcobo, Bishop Phillip, Prof. Mazibuko and Professor Ngubane, amongst others. He was laid to rest at a private ceremony at Amahlongwa, his ancestral home, on Sunday, the twentieth of August 2006.

Speeches delivered on the above occassion/s or messages sent:

- Message from the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Mbeki, read by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr.   Dlamini Zuma - Click here to read this speech
- Speech by the Mayor of eThekwini, Cllr Obed Mlaba - Click here to read this speech
- Message from the Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr. Z. Pallo Jordan, read by Prof. Kgositsile Click here to read this   speech
- Speech by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr. Ndebele - Click here to read this speech
- Speech by Dr. Buthelezi - Click here to read this speech
- Speech and reading by Prof. S. Ngubane, Faculty of Humanities Development & Social Sciences, Deputy Dean and   Head (UStudies), University of KwaZulu-Natal - Click here to read this speech
- Speech and reading by Prof. Fikile N M Mazibuko, Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Head of College: Humanities, University   of KwaZulu-Natal - Click here to read the speech
- An Appreciation by Prof. Masilela - Click here to read this message
- Poem for Mazisi by Danny Schechter who produced the NY based TV series "South Africa Now" from l988 to l992 and   first met Mazisi in London in 1966 - Click here to read this poem

The Kunene family and the Mazisi Kunene Foundation Trust wishes to publicly thank all those who participated in or contributed to the Memorial Service and funeral.


MESSAGE FROM THE KUNENE FAMILY

It is with great regret the Mazisi Kunene family wishes to announce to South Africa, Africa and the world the untimely death of our beloved father, husband, brother and friend, Mazisi Raymond Fakazi Mngoni Kunene. He passed away this Friday, the eleventh of August 2006 at the age of seventy six at Entabeni Hospital in Durban.

He was born in Durban, South Africa, on the twelfth of May 1930. He grew up at Amahlongwa on the KwaZulu-Natal South coast, where he attended school at Primary level. He later went to Marianhill where he matriculated and Maphumulo Teachers Training College where he obtained certification. He then went on to the University of Natal where he obtained his Masters Degree.

Professor Kunene was second born son of Mdabuli Albert Kunene and Eva Kunene (nee Ngcobo). His siblings were Blessing Musawenkosi, Arthur Bonga, Derrick Nkosiyakhe and Sthandiwe Joyce Kunene of whom only Blessing and Sthandiwe survive.

Kunene went into exile in 1959 and in 1962 became the Chief Representative of the African National Congress in Europe and America. Professor Kunene played a pivotal role in the founding of the Anti-Apartheid movement in Britain. He also worked closely with leading ANC figures which include Moses Mabhida, Oliver Thambo and Robert Resha.

After he had established the South African Exhibition Appeal in 1972 to raise funds for the ANC, Professor Kunene received resounding support from renowned figures from the artworld including Picasso, Chagall, Giacometti and Rauschenberg. He also served as a Cultural Advisor to UNESCO.

Professor Kunene’s literary edifice in exile included the published epics: “Anthem of the Decades” and “Emperor Shaka the Great” as well as a further two poetry anthologies: “The Ancestors and the Sacred Mountain” as well as “Zulu Poems”. In 1969 Kunene wrote an introductory essay to John Berger and Ann Bostock’s translation of Aime Cesaire’s “Return to my Native Land”.

Upon his return to South Africa in 1993 he published books in Zulu including: “Isibusiso sikamhawu” (1994), “Indida yamancasakazi” (1995), “Umzwilili wama-Afrika” (1996) and “Igudu likaSomcabeko” (1997). In 1993 UNESCO honoured him as Africa’s Poet Laureate. Last year the Minister of Arts and Culture honoured him as South Africa’s first Poet Laureate.

Mazisi Kunene is survived by his beloved wife, Mathabo Kunene, daughter Lamakhosi and sons Zosukuma, Ra and Rre.

Lala kahle Mntimande olubambolinye olwesibili lweza nomlandakazi.

The Mazisi Kunene Foundation Trust is a registered Trust (IT 1057/2005PM), with the following address:

Tel: + 27 31 312 6227
Fax: + 27 31 312 5209
Address: DX 93, Durban
or
79 Churchill Road, Morningside, Durban, 4001

The Trustees are:

Ms. S. W. Abro (Attorney for the Trust - at the above address)
Dr. J. H. Beare
Mr. A. J. Botha (Chairman)
Mr. J. E. Charter
Mrs. R. M. Kunene

The Trust was launched at the International Conference Centre in Durban, South Africa, on 3 June 2006 with a Launch Event which was honoured with the presence of His Majesty, King Zwelithini, the First Lady, Mrs Mbeki, the Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr. Z. Pallo Jordan and the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr. S'bu Ndebele.

This event coincided with the launch of the first publication of the Foundation, a limited edition collector's item, of poetry by Prof. Kunene.

The Mazisi Kunene Foundation Trust wishes to acknowledge and thank the sponsors which have contributed to the founding of the Trust, the launch event and the functions of the Trust:

Charles James Lillieshall Trust
Gabisile Nkosi - Artist
McCarthy Limited