K. P. D. Maphalla

Kgotso Pieter David (K.P.D.) Maphalla (born 1955, South Africa – died 5 April 2021, South Africa) was a writer in the Sesotho language. An author of more than 40 books, Maphalla has received an honorary doctorate from the University of the Free State, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award in Literature. Maphalla died on 5 April 2021 after suffering a stroke. He was laid to rest in Bohlokong, near Bethlehem on 14 April 2021.

Amongst his many books (not to mention radio plays,) are the following: Tahleho (drama); Tshiu tseo (novel); Kabelwamanong (detective novel); Botsang lebitla (novel); Tsie lala (poetry); Mahohodi (poetry); Dikano (poetry); Pinyane (poetry); Ditema (poetry); Fuba sa ka (poetry); Kgapha tsa ka (poetry); Seitebatso (poetry); Sentebale (poetry); A tale of two fathers (English novel); Mohlomong Hosane (essays/short stories); Bashemane ba Dibataolong (novel).

In 2023, the South African Journal of African Languages published an issue that contained several articles examining Maphalla's writings, volume 43, number 1.

Relevant literature

 * Chaphole, Sol. "KPD Maphalla’s autobiographical poetry: narrating oneself in verse." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 (2023): 69-75.
 * Monyakane, Mathai, and Elias Nyefolo Malete. "The application of appraisal theory in Maphalla’s poem: ‘Ditema’." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 (2023): 40-46.
 * Motinyane, Mantoa. "A critical discourse analysis of Maphalla’s selected poems: South Africa’s pre-democratic election messages." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 (2023): 76-84.
 * Phindane, Pule. "The significance of the naming technique in KPD Maphalla’s novel, Kabelwamanong." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 (2023): 56-60.
 * Possa-Mogoera, Rethabile. "Naming technique in Maphalla’s drama Tahleho." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 (2023): 61-68.
 * Seema, Johannes. "Reflections on KPD Maphalla’s poetry: political, spiritual and social perspectives." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 (2023): 85-92.
 * Zulu, Nogwaja S. "The literary oeuvre of KPD Maphalla: a thematic analysis." South African Journal of African Languages 43, no. 1 (2023): 47-55.
 * Zulu, Nogwaja S. and Elias N. Malete. "The literary production of KPD Maphalla: an introduction." South African Journal of African Language 43, no. 1 (2023): 37-39.