GILBERT MODISE

Gilbert Modise (1964 - 2002)

Gilbert Modise was born in 1964 in Batho township, Mangaung (Free State, South Africa). He obtained his secondary education at Sehunelo High School in Bloemfontein, and thereafter educated himself further by reading widely and imaginatively. He went on to become one of the most celebrated black cultural activists in the history of the Free State - an author, poet, general innovator, musician, playwright, and literary activist.

Modise also claimed to be a parson, prophet, and a sangoma (“traditional medicine man” or “witch doctor” in western terms). He was a colourful character, who often claimed to have pulled off a plethora of miraculous cures and stunts. He also published a string of novels or novelettes in the Setswana (Tswana) language. During his lifetime, his house in Mangaung became the object of a pilgrimage for writers and cultural artists. His most impressive published work was An Eyesore, which he liked to call his “magnum opus”. The circumstances of his death remain mysterious to date – he died on 1 January 2002, and according to his instructions his body was cremated.

Books published

Our Land (1999)

An Eyesore (poetry)

Monolo wa Pelo (1999)

Thokolosi ya Mangaung (1999)

Lesiela (2000)

Ditsiwe ke Maagwe (2000)

Maagwe O Gweba ka ene (2000)


Gilbert Modise will be post-humously honoured in Bloemfontein on Friday, December 7 2012. Contact:

Mpikeleni Duma (0833965535)

Charmaine (071 5573231)