On Wednesday, 26 February 2025, Rhodes University’s School of Languages & Literatures and the Political & International Studies department hosted the launch of Izimpabanga Zomhlaba (The Wretched of the Earth), Frantz Fanon’s seminal work translated into isiZulu by Dr Makhosazana Xaba. Dr Xaba received an honorary doctorate from Rhodes University in 2022.
Held at Eden Grove Blue, the event celebrated this groundbreaking contribution to African literature and intellectual thought, drawing scholars, students, and the public into a vibrant discussion on language, decolonisation, and Fanon’s enduring relevance.
A revolutionary text reimagined
Dr Xaba’s translation of Fanon’s work, originally written in French during the Algerian revolution, marks a significant step in the intellectualisation of African languages. Rhodes University Journalism and Media Studies Lecturer, Thandeka Gqubule-Mbeki, the event’s facilitator, emphasised the political and cultural importance of the project, stating, “This translation is not just about language; it’s about reclaiming our intellectual heritage and ensuring African voices are central in global discourses on liberation and justice.”
The panel, featuring Rhodes University Professor of African Language Studies Professor Dion Nkomo and Mbongeni Allan Magubane, explored the translation’s role in deepening Fanon’s relevance in post-colonial Africa. Prof Nkomo highlighted its potential to inspire further intellectual work in African languages, while Magubane linked Fanon’s ideas on violence and neocolonialism to contemporary struggles for decolonisation.
The challenges of translation
Dr Xaba shared the complexities of translating Fanon’s dense, conceptual text into isiZulu. She described how her multilingual upbringing, navigating isiZulu, English, and Afrikaans shaped her approach. “I’ve always been a lover of dictionaries,” she said, recalling her mother’s insistence on self-reliance in understanding words.
To tackle Fanon’s abstract concepts, such as nationalism and imperialism, Dr Xaba compared English translations by Constance Farrington and Phil Cox. She also collaborated with family members, like her sister, to brainstorm culturally resonant interpretations. “Translation is not just about words; it’s about capturing the soul of the text,” she explained.
A call for multilingualism and decolonisation
The event underscored the importance of multilingualism in education and the decolonisation of knowledge. Dr Xaba’s work not only makes Fanon’s ideas accessible to isiZulu speakers but also challenges the dominance of colonial languages in academia. As one attendee noted, “This translation is a gift to isiZulu speakers and a reminder of the power of language in shaping our understanding of the world.”
The launch of Izimpabanga Zomhlaba is a milestone in the intellectualisation of African languages and a testament to Rhodes University’s commitment to transformative scholarship. By bringing Fanon’s revolutionary ideas to a broader audience, this project ensures his work continues to inspire liberation movements and cultural pride across the continent.