The first black woman in South Africa to publish a novel, Miriam Tlali (1933–2017) was also an internationally acclaimed playwright, author of short stories, essayist, and not least, activist against apartheid and patriarchy. Her work was routinely banned in South Africa; though translated into many languages, during the apartheid era it was available only illicitly in her own country.

Pumla Dineo Gqola traces Tlali’s life, presents selections of her writing, and reflects on the continuing relevance of her work.