Andre+Brink

Andre Brink was a well-known South African novelist born on May 29, 1935. He originated in a town called Vrede, an area in South Africa located in the Orange Free State, a place in which customs and traditions are profoundly conservative. Despite his ongoing writing accomplishments, Andre Brink is best known for his anti-apartheid mind set and his determination to have his voice heard at any cost; if the law liked it or not.

Brink was raised in what he described as a “rugby obsessed” Afrikaans-speaking household. His parents contributed much credibility to Brink’s success due to their sophisticated and educational interests, including studying classic pieces of work by Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare. Brink was especially inspired by his father, who worked as a magistrate. As a child, Brink would sneak into the courthouse to listen in on the cases his father was trying. He said his father’s words left an “ indelible mark” on himself as a whole.

After receiving an education at Potchefstroom University, Mr. Brink was hired as a professor of English and Dutch literature at Rhodes University. He also found the time to write short stories, newspaper articles, and even become an editor for a popular South African magazine. But possibly the most unique thing about this writer was his association with a group of Afrikaans writers known as “ Die Sestigers,” meaning “60s.” The group was known for its racial tolerance and overall freedom in their writing, which was a strange thing in the times in which they were brought up in.

Throughout all of his many accomplishments, Andre Brink is mainly known and honored for his resistance to apartheid laws. His novel //Looking on Darkness// was the first Afrikaans piece of writing to ever be banned by the apartheid government. The story’s plot involved a man of mixed race killing his white lover. Because of his rejection from the government, Brink translated the book to English and ended up taking credit for its international popularity.

After the controversy on //Looking on Darkness// the South African government kept a very close eye on Brink’s works and even his personal life. At one point during the apartheid era his phone calls were tracked and his mail was checked, and even sometimes stolen. Many proposals were made to intensify the censorship put on Brink’s later pieces of work. Brink was especially angered by this quoting, “Even in chains, the many voices of the writer must continue to speak.”

Overall, Andre Brink will forever be remembered as a intelligent and courageous author who risked his high positions to speak for what was right. On February 6, 2015 Andre Brink passed away on a flight from the Netherlands, heading back to his home country of South Africa. Whether it is his brave actions, or his brilliant work, Andre Brink will always be remembered for the pride he brought to South Africa.