Several poets and writers paid tribute to the late Diana Ferrus at the Cape Flats Book Festival at the weekend.
Ferrus (72) was scheduled to be on the Saturday programme of the weekend-long festival to read from her children’s book The Boy Who Loved to Dance, but the world-renowned poet, writer and activist died a day before the festival on Friday 30 January.
In a press statement, her niece and family spokesperson Laniëlle Hartzenberg said: “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of Dr Diana Ferrus. This loss is deeply felt by her family, friends, colleagues, and the many communities whose lives she touched through her words, her courage, and her unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and humanity.
“Dr Ferrus was more than a public figure — she was a beloved family member, mentor, and guiding light. Her legacy will continue to live on through her work, her voice, and the countless people she inspired across generations and borders.”
Roscoe Williams, of Read to Rise, who runs the festival at West End Primary School annually, said in a post on social media: “We were truly looking forward to welcoming you to this year’s Cape Flats Book Festival. Your presence, your voice, and your love for literature will be deeply missed. Rest well, Dr Diana Ferrus. Your legacy lives on in the lives you touched and the stories you helped shape.”
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Ferrus’s reading session on Saturday morning was not cancelled, however. Williams said the family had indicated that another writer would read Ferrus’s book, about world famous District Six dancer Johaar Mosaval. Writer and entertainer Lynn Joffe read the book to a packed classroom after telling the children in attendance about “Mama Diana” and how her poem, I’ve Come to Take You Home, was instrumental in the movement to have Sarah Baartman’s remains brought back to South African soil.
Speaking to TygerBurger, Joffe said she approached the family last week, while Ferrus was still fighting for her life, and asked if she could stand in for the iconic poet.
“Her last words to me were me, ‘Lynne f*k voort’,” Joffe said.
Nearly a hundred authors, poets and performers took part in the free Mitchells Plain festival and roadshow. The roadshow took place at 10 schools in Mitchells Plain in the week leading up to the festival on 31 January and 1 February.
Activities included poetry writing workshops, a puppet show, giveaways, books, food and exhibitors.
The festival which has been growing in stature every year, has been running for several years.
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Williams said he had lots of good feedback from participants.
“Bianca Flanders mentioned that this is the best festival she’s ever been to,” Williams said. Flanders is an entertainer who has written a series of books about a character called Pumpkin Pie.
Williams added the festival was definitely a “step up” from previous years, with more participants, vendors and attendees.
Read to Rise was founded in 2013. The non-profit organisation promotes youth literacy in under-resourced communities.
“We hope to inspire children to read so that they can ‘rise’ above their circumstances,” Williams said.
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