Within Loving Memory Of The Century

Azaria Mbatha's autobiography embodies episodic memories of his life across a unique spectrum of African experience.

Starting from his decision to visit South Africa after years of exile in Sweden, this trilogy introduces us to his parents and his beloved sister who looms so large in his emotional world. We share their lives against a rich backdrop of Zulu society in which the oral tradition is portrayed in depth and detail.

The shadow of apartheid South Africa, softened only by Mbatha's generosity of spirit and wry humor, falls across many episodes of poignant originality throughout his story.

This book is freely illustrated with artwork of Mbatha's own making, choice and allocation. He is a prominent figure in contemporary South African art and both his work and this book reflect issues of personal involvement in historical, religious and existential themes.

Ultimately Mbatha's development from young Zulu kholwa to ecumenical man can be clearly traced to his art. He adopts a firm stance as a commentator within a crumbling society racked by personal and collective conflict. His cogent topical themes are depicted, reviewed and expanded in a continuity of experience woven into the literary fabric of his memories.