Fatshimetrie, an online media outlet dedicated to culture and current affairs, highlights the captivating story of Alex La Guma, a South African writer and activist whose influence has endured long after his forced exile in 1966. While La Guma left South Africa, never to return, his literary and political legacy continues to inspire a new generation of readers and thinkers.
When he went into exile, La Guma left behind his native Cape Town, particularly the District Six neighbourhood in Cape Town, a symbol of his struggle against apartheid. Although he was unable to witness South Africa’s transition to democracy, his unwavering commitment to writing and diplomacy for the ANC and SACP marked his time in iconic places such as Cuba.
Havana, where La Guma eventually took up residence until his untimely death in 1985, became not only his final home but also the starting point for a new chapter in his life. His British passport opened the world to him, but it was his political and internationalist commitment that pushed him to travel the globe.
Through his travels to Algeria, Lebanon, India, Vietnam, Germany, Tanzania, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Soviet Union, La Guma documented in a personal and political way the emergence of the Third World, now known as the Global South. His literary work remains rooted in his native Cape, eloquently describing the harsh reality of apartheid in novels such as “A Walk in the Night” and “And a Threefold Cord”.
But it was in his writing from exile that La Guma truly explored new horizons. His contributions to international political and cultural journals such as Sechaba, The African Communist and Tricontinental have ensured that his voice is heard not only as a renowned writer, but also as a human rights defender and political activist.
From defending the ANC’s armed struggle to criticizing apartheid legislation at the UN, to participating in the first Pan-African Cultural Festival in Algiers, La Guma has left an indelible mark on the international stage. His writings, both poignant and committed, have captured the essence of his struggle for justice and freedom.
As we revisit La Guma’s work, it becomes clear that his literary genius extends beyond the borders of South Africa to embrace universal themes such as resilience in the face of oppression and the quest for human dignity. His exploration of new territories through stories such as “Thang’s Bicycle” and “Come Back to Tashkent” demonstrates his desire to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries to better grasp the issues of his time..
In short, Alex La Guma remains a visionary writer whose literary and political legacy still resonates today. His unwavering commitment to social justice and freedom continues to inspire future generations to uphold the values of solidarity and emancipation.