K. P. D. Maphalla


Kgotso Pieter David Maphalla was a writer in the Sesotho language. An author of more than 40 books, Maphalla has received an honorary doctorate from the University of the Free State, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award in Literature. Maphalla died on 5 April 2021 after suffering a stroke. He was laid to rest in Bohlokong, near Bethlehem on 14 April 2021.
Amongst his many books are the following: Tahleho ; Tshiu tseo ; Kabelwamanong ; Botsang lebitla ; Tsie lala ; Mahohodi ; Dikano ; Pinyane ; Ditema ; Fuba sa ka ; Kgapha tsa ka ; Seitebatso ; Sentebale ; A tale of two fathers ; Mohlomong Hosane ; Bashemane ba Dibataolong.
In 2023, the South African Journal of African Languages published an issue that contained several articles examining Maphalla's writings, volume 43, number 1.

Relevant literature

  • Chaphole, Sol. "KPD Maphalla’s autobiographical poetry: narrating oneself in verse." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 : 69-75.
  • Monyakane, Mathai, and Elias Nyefolo Malete. "The application of appraisal theory in Maphalla’s poem: ‘Ditema’." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 : 40-46.
  • Motinyane, Mantoa. "A critical discourse analysis of Maphalla’s selected poems: South Africa’s pre-democratic election messages." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 : 76-84.
  • Phindane, Pule. "The significance of the naming technique in KPD Maphalla’s novel, Kabelwamanong." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 : 56-60.
  • Possa-Mogoera, Rethabile. "Naming technique in Maphalla’s drama Tahleho." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 : 61-68.
  • Seema, Johannes. "Reflections on KPD Maphalla’s poetry: political, spiritual and social perspectives." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 : 85-92.
  • Zulu, Nogwaja S. "The literary oeuvre of KPD Maphalla: a thematic analysis." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 : 47-55.
  • Zulu, Nogwaja S. and Elias N. Malete. "The literary production of KPD Maphalla: an introduction." South African Journal of African Language 43, no. 1 : 37-39.