On a memorable evening at the University of the Free State, the Equitas Auditorium on the Bloemfontein Campus was filled with a sense of anticipation and reverence as guests gathered for the prestigious DF Malherbe Memorial Lecture. Prof Mogomme Masoga welcomed everyone, setting the tone for an intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant evening. Esteemed guests, staff members, students, and literature enthusiasts came together to honour the legacy of DF Malherbe, a luminary in the field of Afrikaans literature, and to listen to the keynote address by the renowned author Deon Meyer.
Deon Meyer extended a warm welcome to all present, setting the tone for an evening that promised to be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. “Esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen,” he began, “To have been invited to deliver the 2024 DF Malherbe Memorial Lecture is a huge honour and a real privilege. Even more so because I am a proud alumnus of this university. It is also, for me, a daunting prospect, and an intimidating endeavour. Firstly, I am a genre author, far removed from the world of academia and high literature. Secondly, my mother tongue is Afrikaans. If I am to have any chance of being remotely comprehensible (and to help in pacifying the butterflies in my stomach), I beg your indulgence and your permission to attempt this in the language of my heart.”
Meyer, known for his gripping crime novels and compelling narratives, began his speech with heartfelt humility and candour. He shared insights from his extraordinary journey as a writer, reflecting on the unexpected twists and turns since the publication of his first book in 1994. “My journey, since my first book's publication in 1994, has been so totally unexpected, full of surprises and unique experiences. It brought certain insights that would most likely be interpreted in a completely different way by someone with a different background and psyche,” he said, capturing the audience’s imagination with tales of his early years and the changing landscape of the Afrikaans literary world.
He provided a nostalgic yet critical view of the past, recalling his efforts in writing and submitting his first suspense novel for publication in 1991 and 1992. He painted a vivid picture of the Afrikaans book world of that era, contrasting it with the present. “The Afrikaans book world of that time was essentially different from that of 2024,” he remarked, highlighting the evolution and progress within the literary community.
As his speech ended, Meyer touched on a poignant and pressing issue: the need for inclusivity and diverse voices on the Afrikaans literary scene. “We need them as readers and book buyers and theatregoers. We need their voices, their wisdom, and their contributions to urgently change the politically uncomfortable picture of white grey-headed men acting as fighters for Afrikaans. In Afrikaans there is no 'they'. There is only an 'us'. I thank you.”
The audience was moved by Meyer’s words, which resonated deeply with the current cultural and social dynamics. His call for unity and inclusion was met with enthusiastic applause, echoing the shared sentiment of the evening.
The 2024 DF Malherbe Memorial Lecture was not just an event, but a celebration of literature, reflection, and the enduring power of storytelling. It was a night where thoughts about literature were shared and connections forged, reminding everyone present of the vital role literature plays in shaping and reflecting society.
As the guests mingled and conversed after the lecture, the air was filled with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration – a testament to the enduring legacy of DF Malherbe and the impactful words of Deon Meyer.