XULU DIES

Muntu Xulu part of warp and weft of Zulu Literature Muntu Jeremiah Xulu, novelist, playwright, former teacher, journalist and editor died after a long illness at his home in Vukazenzele, Mangaung in Bloemfontein on the 05th May 2010.

Bekumthetho S.Nkosi from Bhekuzulu in Kwa-Zulu Natal told Free State News “Muntu was my relative, he was an outstanding novelist, playwright and comedian. He published many novels, plays and a book of jokes in his own Zulu Language which was widely read at schools and universities in the country. Xulu had the gift of the pen.”

Jeremiah published the following novels in Zulu, Kunje Ke! published by Shutter and Shutter Publishers in 1987, Amalutha Emalutheni published by Educum Publishers in 2000, Amathe Nolimi published by Shutter and Shutter in 1997, Uthando Lunjeke published by N.G Kerk Printing Press in 1978, Nondela Mtanami Nondela published by Longman Publishers in 1988 and Mahlayana Mahlayana published by Shutter and Shutter publishers in 1981.

As a result of his contribution to the Zulu literature, the national Museum in Bloemfontein honoured him as part of their literary exhibition.Nhlanhlanhle L.Xulu from New Castle in Kwa-Zulu Natal said “My father studies journalism at Kitwe School of Journalism in Zambia in 1957 – 1958. He did another journalism course with the International correspondence School of Journalism in London, Britain in 1964 – 1969,”

He was born on 28 November 1930 in Johannesburg. He grew up in Kwa-Zulu Natal. In 1950 he completed his Teachers Training diploma at Umphumulo Institution.He was buried at the South Park Cemetery in Mangaung on 15 May 2010.

- F Qoopane