MEMORIAL SERVICES
Keorapetse William Kgositsile: a humble hero of young writers to be remembered
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy at the burial of people’s poet and social-justice activist Keorapetse William Kgositsile
Tributes have been pouring in from around SA and the world since the death last week of celebrated poet, academic and social-justice activist Keorapetse William Kgositsile. Writers, friends and intellectuals have reminisced about how Bra Willie, as the professor was fondly known, touched the lives of many. Using his sharp mind to write poetry that connected easily with human consciousness, he earned the title of the "people’s poet". The 79-year-old died after surgery related to circulatory issues at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg. Bra Willie was humble to a fault, always with a smile. He embarked on a writing career while studying in the US in the 1960s and was part of a poetry movement called the Jazz Poets. He was held in awe by young writers when he returned to SA. His poetic pursuits were as humble as he was. He could easily have snubbed the many poetry sessions to which he was invited, where young poets — the talented and not-so-talented — shared the stage with him as if he w...
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