Poet Mongane Wally Serote Visits Duke University
South African poet laureate Mongane Wally Serote shared insights into his work and history at a recent Durham event.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in African-American
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South African poet laureate Mongane Wally Serote visited Duke University to discuss the impact of creative writing during the Soweto Uprising. During the presentation, he read excerpts from his 144-page epic poem, Listen, which was published in 2024.
Why it matters
The appearance highlights the critical role of literature in documenting resistance against systemic inequality. Serote's work serves as a testament to the resilience of those who navigated the era of apartheid in South Africa.
The poem Listen spans 144 pages, offering an extensive look at the historical themes Serote explores. The event took place as the world reflects on the 50-year anniversary of the Soweto Uprising.
The players
Mongane Wally Serote
He is the South African poet laureate who documented the struggles of the anti-apartheid movement.
Duke University
This private research university in Durham hosted the poet for an academic event.
The details
Moderated by a Helen L. Bevington associate professor, the discussion connected historical policy shifts like the 1953 Bantu Education Act to the cultural movements that eventually led to the end of apartheid in 1994. Serote also drew from his personal experiences in Botswana to provide a human perspective on the resistance movement.
Timeline
1953: The Bantu Education Act mandated racial segregation in South African schools.
1974: The government policy changed to mandate Afrikaans as the language of instruction for math and social sciences.
June 1976: The Soweto Uprising began as students resisted the new language policies.
1994: South Africa officially ended apartheid and adopted a democratic system.
October 22, 2026: Mongane Wally Serote spoke at a Duke University event in Durham.
Culture Shift
This event highlights the legacy of the Soweto Uprising, echoing how other liberation struggles remain central to post-colonial literary discourse. By revisiting these events, institutions in Durham contribute to a broader global dialogue on the intersection of language, education, and civil rights.
Residents in Durham have the opportunity to engage with international literary figures and gain deeper historical context on global human rights movements. Attending these academic events encourages a stronger connection between the local community and global historical discourse.
The takeaway
Serote's visit reminds audiences that art serves as an essential vessel for preserving the history of civil resistance. Readers can better understand current social movements by studying the historical roots of language and education policies.
Further reading
Explore more cultural perspectives at the African-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Duke Chronicle.
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