Wednesday, 16 July 2025 at 19h00–20h30 SAST

In this masterclass, Mputhumi will explore different kinds of historical novels, but focus on what he calls creative history, blurring not only the boundaries between the past and the present, fact and fancy, history and fiction, but reality and fantasy. This is the realm first introduced in the western literature by Dante in the Divine Comedy. Mputhumi will compare it with the likes of S.E.K. Mqhayi who holds the title of writing a first novel in Xhosa, and Sol Plaatjie who wrote the first Southern African historical novel. You will investigate why historical fiction is irresistible to the defeated, the ones whose history has been told with prejudice against them by the victors.

Mphuthumi Ntabeni is a historical novelist that works most on the historical field of South Africa’s Frontier Wars (Wars of Land Dispossession) of the 18th and 19th century. He has written two historical novels, The Broken River Tent (2019) and The Wanderers (2021). He writes, mostly about books, for several national and international publications. Born in the Eastern Cape, in thesmall town of Komani, he lives between Cape Town and the Eastern Cape.

You will receive confirmation of your registration within 24 hours of placing your order. The broadcast link will be sent to you via email on the day of the masterclass.  

Should you be unable to attend the live sessions, you will receive access to the recordings.