Hulde aan Helde: Johann Lodewyk Marais

The poet Johann Lodewyk Marais was born 70 years ago in Hillbrow, but grew up on the farm Sans Souci in the Harrismith district, where he became fluent in Sotho. As a farm child, he developed a deep love for nature. He began reading avidly in high school, and his first poem was published in Die Vaderland while he was in Grade 11. His first poetry collection, Die somer is ’n dag oud, was published in 1983 and awarded the Ingrid Jonker Prize in 1984. His work has been highly praised and is often described as “sensitive to nature.” He has also written travel books and biographies.

Presented by NALN.