Free State Education MEC, Tate Makgoe, is the latest government official to weigh in on the impact the 66-year-old writer’s career has had on the province’s literary fraternity and the Sesotho community at large. 

Maphalla reportedly died at the tail end of the Easter long weekend in a Bethlehem hospital on 5 April, after suffering a stroke.

Makgoe reflects on some of the writer’s books that have been included in the Free State school curriculum previously, namely: Kabelwamanong, Tahleho and Botsang lebitla among others.

The Education MEC says Maphalla’s contributions to the preservation of the Sesotho language, culture and the education sector is unmatched.

Web: The 66-year-old writer is reported to have authored between 50 and 70 books over his illustrious 40 year career. The books include novels, short stories and poems. Free State Premier, Sisi Ntombela, already expressed her sadness at the literary legend’s passing in a statement.

She lauded the Sesotho author for striving to unite Africans via his literary works. The 66-year-old writer was known for being passionate about sharing his love for words with children, having had been involved in various literary initiatives in the province aimed at encouraging the youth to read and also express themselves via writing.

In 2007 the University of the Free State (UFS) bestowed Maphalla with an honourary doctorate for his contributions.

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