Premier Ntombela saddened by the passing of Renowned Sesotho author

Wednesday 07 April 2021, 06:15am/ Lebona Lekoena

Image: The late Dr. Kgotso Pieter David Maphalla: image supplied

QwaQwa: Free State Premier Sefora Ntombela says she is saddened by the passing of Renowned Sesotho author Dr. Kgotso Pieter David Maphalla.

Dr. Maphalla, affectionally known as “KPD”, passed away on Monday 05 April 2021 at a Bethlehem hospital following a long illness at the age of 66 years.

In more than 40 years of his career a prolific Sesotho author, Dr. Maphalla has penned over 70 books.

Some of his books, such  as Kabelwamanong, Botsang Lebitla, and Tahleho, have been included in the school curriculum, contributing towards the preservation of the Sesotho language in the schools.

In addition to writing novels, Dr. Maphalla also wrote poetry and short stories and he also played a pivotal role in the formation of QwaQwa radio, a community radio station based in QwaQwa, his hometown.

During his prestigious career, Dr. Maphalla has won several awards for his outstanding work. In 2007, he was conferred with an honorary doctorate in literature by the University of Free State.

He was recently honoured by the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLAR) in recognition of his passion for the written word.

A teacher by profession, Maphalla won his first major literary prize in 1980 in the Sesotho poetry competition which was organised by the then Radio Bantu Sesotho Service, now Lesedi FM.

Premier Ntombela said she was deeply hurt about the passing away of Dr. Maphalla, adding that his death has robbed the Free State province of a gifted author whose work has inspired many people, young and old, across the province.

“I have learnt with deep and profound sadness about the passing away of Ntate Maphalla. Dr. Maphalla was a living testimony that the pen is truly mightier than the sword. Through his works, Dr. Maphalla sought to unite Africans especially during a very dark period in our country.

The Free State province has lost a truly gifted and inspirational man. On behalf of the Free State Provincial Government and the entire citizenry of the province, I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the Maphalla family. May they find solace during this painful time and may Dr. Maphalla’s soul rest in peace,” Premier Ntombela said.