Chris Mann (poet)

Chris Mann (born 1948, died 2024) was a South African poet, playwright, and academic, known for his contributions to South African literature and his exploration of themes related to identity, language, and the environment. He was a significant figure in the anti-apartheid struggle, using his poetry to challenge the injustices of the regime.

Mann was born in Port Elizabeth and educated at the University of the Witwatersrand and Oxford University. He held academic positions at Rhodes University, where he was a professor of English.

His poetry is characterized by its accessible language, often drawing on colloquial speech and incorporating elements of oral tradition. He was particularly interested in the intersection of English and African languages and cultures within the South African context. His work frequently reflected on the natural world, highlighting environmental concerns and the relationship between humans and their environment.

Mann published several collections of poetry, including First Poems (1975), New Shades (1982), Mantis Poets (1981), A Vilnius Diary (1993), and Lifesigns (1996). He also wrote and co-wrote plays such as Brothers of the Spirit and The Gift of the Tortoise.

His work has been widely anthologized and studied, solidifying his place as an important voice in South African literature. He received several awards and recognitions for his literary contributions. He continued to be involved in literary and environmental activism throughout his life.