Renowned South African author Miriam Masoli Tlali, who "was the first black South African woman to publish a novel in English within the country's borders," died February 24, the Mail & Guardian reported. She was 83. Ravan Press published Muriel at Metropolitan in 1975, though it was re-issued in 2004 under the title she had preferred from the start, Between Two Worlds. The novel "was the first literary text that portrayed the degrading conditions under which African women labored during apartheid."
Muriel at Metropolitan had a big impact globally, with 45 different editions published between 1975 and 2005, including translations into three languages. Tlali's books also include Amandla; Footprints in the Quag: Stories & Dialogues from Soweto (also published as Soweto Stories); and Mihloti.
"Because of her stature internationally and the political content of her novels, Tlali became an enemy of the state. Both her novels were immediately banned by apartheid censors," the Mail & Guardian wrote, adding that the secret police unit Security Branch "repeatedly harassed, arrested and assaulted Tlali as a tactic of intimidation."
South African President Jacob Zuma expressed condolences: "We have learned with deep sadness of the passing of one of the country's internationally celebrated black female authors‚ Ms. Tlali‚ who played a critical role during the liberation struggle by telling a true South African story through her anti-apartheid novels‚ amongst other writings. She will be remembered for her outstanding literary work which earned her several accolades and honors including the Order of Ikhamanga which was bestowed on her for her excellent intellectual achievements and contribution to the development of literature in South Africa."