South African writer dies aged 79

Poet, writer, academic and Black Consciousness activist Adam Small has died, aged 79, after complications arising from an operation. Books Live reported.

Born on 21 December 1936 in Wellington, Small was well known for his involvement with the Black Consciousness Movement and other activism.

Small made his debut as a poet in 1957 with Verse van die liefde. Some of his other well known poetry volumes include Kitaar my kruis (1961) and Sê Sjibbolet (1963). His best known theatrical drama is Kanna hy kô hystoe (1965).

He was known as a coloured writer who wrote works in Afrikaans that dealt with racial discrimination and satirized the political situation. Small was also awarded the Hertzog Prize in 2012 for his contribution to the drama genre.

Books Live reported that Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille paid tribute to Small, saying: “It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the passing of one of our county’s dear sons, Adam Small.

“As a writer and poet, Adam Small used his craft to highlight the oppression suffered by the working class under the apartheid regime."

Small will always be remembered for his great contribution to literature and for his struggle during apatheid.

Small is survived by his wife, Rosalie, his family and friends.

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