Mongane Wally Serote, Poet Laureate of South Africa

Event details Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026 Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Location: East Duke 201 - Nelson Music Room Type: Student Life About this event Mongane Wally Serote, the Poet Laureate of South Africa will present an evening of poetry and reflections on the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, when students bravely fought back against apartheid education policies, and were met with shocking police violence. Serote is the author of numerous collections of poetry as well as 5 novels. Like the U.S. Black Arts Movement writers he befriended during years in exile, his work has taken inspiration from jazz, coming of age stories, and liberation traditions. He was a long-time anti-apartheid activist, and continues to advocate for a more just society through his literary and public activities. Duke is proud to welcome him for this presentation, which will be followed by conversation with the audience facilitated by Professor Tsitsi Jaji. Official event details: https://calendar.duke.edu/show?fq=id%3ACAL-8a0060e8-a10749ca-01a1-16ecf2a7-0000563ddemobedework%40mysite.edu