Renowned poet Diana Ferrus died at age 72.
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THE death of Dr Diana Ferrus, 72, a celebrated performance poet and cultural figure, has prompted widespread reflection on her profound contributions to literature and activism. The news of Ferrus' death was announced by her niece, Laniëlle Hartzenberg, on Friday.
“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,” Hartzenberg expressed. “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.”
In the wake of social media calls for a state funeral, Hartzenberg urged that the family’s mourning be respected.
“The family has noted the overwhelming public outcry calling for Dr Diana Ferrus to be honoured with a national funeral. We are deeply moved by the love, recognition, and respect being shown. Dr Ferrus was a national and international cultural figure, whose work carried South Africa’s history, dignity, and voice to the world. We thank the public for their solidarity and care. At this time, our hearts are heavy, and all that she wanted — and all that we ask — is that her legacy and our family be treated with respect,” she said.
Dr Ferrus, who grew up in Worcester in the Western Cape, received an honorary doctorate from Stellenbosch University (SU) in 2022. Her extensive body of work is widely recognised for its political impact. She was awarded the SU degree of Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil), honoris causa, during the 2022 autumn graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Beginning her writing journey at the tender age of 14, Dr Ferrus tackled complex issues surrounding race, identity, gender, class, and reconciliation throughout her career, earning numerous accolades along the way.
As an alumna of the University of Western Cape (UWC), where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts and BA Hons, she was honoured by the university, which described her as “a cultural icon, a literary giant, and a cherished member.”“
Diana was more than a poet. She was a moral compass, a voice for the silenced, and a healer who transformed pain into purpose through language. Her work carried the power to restore dignity, to confront injustice, and to inspir
e healing across generations,” UWX Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert John Balfour.
“Her poem, I’ve Come to Take You Home, written for Sarah Baartman, stands as a historic testament to the transformative force of art. Through her words, Diana helped shift global consciousness and played a meaningful role in the return of Baartman’s remains to South Africa. She showed the world that poetry is not only expression, but action — a catalyst for justice, memory, and reconciliation… In her poetic style, we say: Rest in peace, Diana. Your words still walk among us. Your voice still guides us. Your spirit still sings,” he added
The Jakes Gerwel Foundation expressed, “She leaves a vacuum in the local literary landscape; we will remember her contributions to our country’s literature,” says The Jakes Gerwel Foundation.
“Dr Ferrus was a fearless voice and a cultural conscience of our nation. Through her words, she reclaimed history, affirmed dignity, and gave voice to stories that demanded to be heard. I had the privilege of attending a cultural evening with her last year, where she was full of energy and generously shared her stories and wisdom. Her passing comes as a great shock, and her absence will be deeply felt,” added Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackanzie