Staff Reporter
The late Sesotho author Dr Kgotso Pieter Maphalla has been posthumously awarded the Order of Ikhamanga (Gold) for his contribution to literature spanning several decades.
The Order of Ikhamanga is awarded to individuals who have excelled in the field of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
The golden category recognises exceptional achievement in the field.
The award was received by his son, Setjhaba, at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane on Thursday where President Cyril Ramaphosa conferred several orders to other distinguished individuals including gospel musician Rebecca Malope.
“We honour the writers who have chronicled both the suffering of our people and their remarkable triumphs, their fears and their hopes, their everyday cares and their timeless desires,” said Ramaphosa in his remarks at the colourful ceremony which returned after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These are the people who use their tremendous talent not only to entertain, provoke and inspire, but to strive for a better, more just and humane society,” he added.
Popularly known as KPD, Dr Maphalla died in April aged 66 after battling a stroke for several years.
He published more than 70 Sesotho literary works, most of which have been prescribed for schools and tertiary institutions.
He received several accolades for his work including lifetime achiever awards and an honorary doctorate from the University of the Free State in 2007.
To illustrate the depth of his work, some of it has also been analysed for dissertations and doctoral studies.
The Dr KPD Maphalla Family Trust welcomed the awarding of the order which it described as “colossal and befitting”.
It said he worked hard to preserve the identity of the African people and, most importantly, to address the everyday trials and tribulations of people through the written word.
“His undeniable passion for the written word was, from an early age, influenced by his unwavering passion for the development and preservation of African languages and, in particular, Sesotho as his mother tongue language . . .” said the trust in a statement.
Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela said Dr Maphalla contributed to the careers of many established and budding writers across the country.
“The rich and selfless legacy of Dr Maphalla will be celebrated for many years to come. He remains an epitome of human excellence and a symbol of greatness whose spirit shall forever live on,” she said.
National orders are the highest awards that a country bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals.