Ityala lamawele

work by Mqhayi

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June 29, 2026

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Ityala lamawele, which translates to "The Lawsuit of the Twins," is a significant work by S.E.K. Mqhayi, often referred to as the "father of Xhosa poetry". Published in 1914, this book is a defense of Xhosa law in the face of European administration. Mqhayi, a Xhosa poet, historian, and translator, drew inspiration from biblical stories for some of his writings. His work often reflects a deep appreciation for Xhosa history and a mastery of the praise poem tradition. Mqhayi also played a crucial role in codifying Xhosa grammar and standardizing its orthography.1

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S.E.K. Mqhayi
In 1914 his Ityala lamawele (“The Lawsuit of the Twins”) appeared. Inspired by another biblical story, Ityala lamawele is a defense of Xhosa law before European administration. In the 1920s Mqhayi wrote several biographies and Imihobe nemibongo (1927; “Songs of Joy and Lullabies”), the first published collection of…
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In 1914 his Ityala lamawele (“The Lawsuit of the Twins”) appeared. Inspired by another biblical story, Ityala lamawele is a defense of Xhosa law before European administration. In the 1920s Mqhayi wrote several biographies and Imihobe nemibongo (1927; “Songs of Joy and Lullabies”), the first published collection of…
Read More