Matsemela Manaka

Matsemela Manaka (1956–1998) was a South African playwright, poet, and artist. He began his career in the mid-1970s and was influenced by the ideas of the Black Consciousness Movement. Among his plays, the most distinguished are Egoli: City of Gold and Children of Asazi. He won the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award in 1987. He attended primary and secondary school in Diepkloof, and spent the majority of his life in Soweto. His work was often chosen through suggestion by students and staff.

He was awarded the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award in 1987. With the award he funded a workshop for young playwrights in Soweto. Manaka participated in multiple initiatives such as The Creative Youth Association, Ravan Press, Staffrider. Matsemela Manaka died in a car accident in 1998.

Plays The Horn Imbumba Egoli: City of Gold (1978) Blues Afrika Cafe (1980) Vuka (1981) Mbumba (1984) Children of Asazi (1984) Goree (musical), 1989