GOMOLEMO MOKAE

South African novelist and poet, Gomolemo Mokae has put together a solid body of creative work over the years; for example his book, Short not tall stories, contains one or two stories that might well be described as novelettes.   
   

Mokae in his native South Africa, apart from being a celebrated black writer, is also a fully qualified medical doctor - for many years. Whilst some might tend to compare him with Eurocentric writers/doctors like Checkhov, many African observers would rather compare Mokae with his Nigerian equivalent, Wale Okediran who is also a highly respected creative writer cum medical doctor.   
     

Gomolemo Mokae apparently blossomed as a creative writer  in dazzling fashion during the "Mandela years" when the great man became the first President of SA under majority rule. Mokae published many works and was recognised as one of the brightest stars in his country's literary firmament.  

Thousands of Mokae's books are available in many public libraries, and tertiary institutions in southern Africa generally. Indeed, many a South African writer would point out happily that whilst they were young, they were inspired by the books of Mokae, among a (limited) number of established SA black writers at the time.

Mokae's major works published in English include the novel, The secret in my bosom (detective/mystery); Short not tall stories (shorter fiction) ; and the highly acclaimed Robert McBride study - monograph. The latter has been lauded by scholars, pundits and reviewers as a literary work in its own right.

In equal measure, Mokae must also be praised for his formidable contributions to Setswana literature (Setswana is one of the major languages in South Africa) Mokae did not only pay lip service to his mother tongue (African languages) he delivered the goods! He has published award-winning creative works in the Setswana language.

Yet some critics over the years have opined that considering Mokae's great early promise and  substantial works, he has somewhat "fizzled out" over the years. One must however remember that not only has Mokae had some major health problems in the recent past, his mammoth work on Robert McBride must also have taken a lot of time.    

The simple truth is that Gomolemo Mokae has been an established South African, and African writer for many years; his successes include a serialisation of his work, The secret in my bosom, on national television in his country. Also, one cannot discount the many short stories he has published in major magazines, journals, and anthologies over the years. His work has attracted impressive attention from lofty critics and scholars.     

Many identify Mokae mainly with his fictional work, The secret in my bosom, which is mainstream. The novel seems convincing enough, though a writer and critic like Flaxman Qoopane has published this comment on the work:.      

“...for example, Gomolemo Mokae’s detective novel, The Secret in my bosom, can be called a success, but I have always believed it has a major flaw. Is it really possible that the lady in question (Moloi) would not be recognised by anybody till late, despite undergoing surgery?”

Gomolemo Mokae is a talented African writer, and serves as an icon/mentor to younger writers. His works show originality, competency and dexterity - a man of mettle!

Mokae's Works

The Secret in My Bosom

Short, not Tall stories

Robert McBride: a Coloured Life 

Kaine le Abele 

Nnete ke Serunya 

Masego

Go Thebe Phatshwa