“The story of African literature is incomplete without the immense contribution of Professor Bernth Lindfors,” Professor Malaba words during a virtual lecture hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Centre for African Literary Studies (CALS). The lecture, held via Zoom on October 7, 2025, celebrated the life, scholarship, and enduring legacy of Professor Lindfors, a pioneer in African literary research and co-founder of the prestigious journal Research in African Literatures.
During his speech, Professor Malaba considered the significant influence of Lindfors. Professor Malaba discussed Lindfors’ significant influence on the field of African literature in his speech, emphasizing his painstaking research and dedication to placing African authors in their historical and cultural contexts. He pointed out that Lindfors’ work on writers like Peter Abrahams (A Wreath for Udomo), Thomas Mofolo (Chaka), and Chinua Achebe (A Man of the People) influenced a generation of academics and solidified his standing as one of the leading experts in African literary criticism.
Additionally, Lindfors’ research on Drum magazine, which he saw as a ground breaking forum for black writers during apartheid, was also discussed by Professor Malaba. He described the publication’s transformation from rural moralism to an urban, socially conscious area that reflected the energy, ambitions, and challenges of contemporary African life.
Lindfors, who was born in 1938 in Sweden, attended Harvard and Northwestern University before becoming an English professor at the University of Texas at Austin. A permanent tribute to his commitment to the preservation and study of African writing, CALS’ holdings at UKZN are based on his personal collection of African literary works. “His humility and generosity were as remarkable as his intellect,” said Professor Malaba, emphasizing how Lindfors’ qualities continue to inspire researchers, students, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Through this lecture, CALS not only celebrated Professor Lindfors’ remarkable career but also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research, scholarship, and engagement with African literature across South Africa, the continent, and beyond.
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