Breyten Breytenbach, a writer who challenged apartheid, dies at the age of 85

Poet, author and painter, Breytenbach left his native country in the early 1960s and settled in Paris, where he became one of the most influential voices opposing the legalized system of racial segregation in South Africa.

“My father, the South African painter and poet Breyten Breytenbach, died peacefully on Sunday November 24 in Paris at the age of 85,” said Daphnee Breytenbach.

Breytenbach published about 50 books in his lifetime, including “The True Confession of an Albino Terrorist” and numerous books of poetry, written mainly in his native language, Afrikaans.

“A great artist, a fighter against apartheid, he fought for a better world until the end,” said his daughter.

The writer spent seven years in prison in South Africa, including two in solitary confinement.

French President Francois Mitterrand helped secure his release in 1982 and he returned to France, where he obtained citizenship.

He was later appointed Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur et Commandeur des Arts et Lettres, France’s most important cultural award.

Breytenbach was born in the small town of Bonnievale in the Western Cape in 1939.

Although he eventually settled in France with his wife Yolande Ngo Thi Hoang Lien, he traveled regularly to South Africa.

“His words, his images, his imagination and his resilience will continue to guide us,” his daughter said.