Homebru 2006 author: Pat Stamatelos

Pat Stamatelos is the author of Kroes, published by Kwela.

 What does it mean to you to have your writing recognised and celebrated as "South African"?

For too long South Africans have rejected home-grown - but the scene is changing and pride has taken the place of mediocrity. Writing in a language other than the accepted has simply pushed parameters of the linguistic mind to embrace the unknown. What an honour to be part of the process.

 As a South African writer / storyteller did you set out to write a story South Africans will recognise as their own?

Definitely - there is more treasure within than without. Recognition of oneself can bring pain, but it also brings healing. And finally acceptance.


  What, to you, does a South African story encapsulate?

The familiar - why should a little town in Texas or a Boulevard in Paris be more acceptable than a dorpie in Gauteng or a straat in Randfontein? A good story is a good story.

  Is it possible for a South African's writing to be free of political and historical influence?

Freedom is relative - it is up to the writer to release the spirit of politics and history and let your imagination fly - forget about borders and boundaries; in the telling of a story they don't exist.

  Who do you think is the most influential South African writer today? And who is your favourite local author?

There is no such thing as an influential writer, only influential words - for a moment in time. Marita van der Vyver - for her honesty, candour and courage. She dares to go where angels fear to tread - and still she remains human.

  If you could choose five works (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, performance poetry, etc) from South African literature that would be able to communicate the "South African experience", which five would you choose, and why?

Dido - Stringetjie Blou Krale - exposing perceptions based on old prejudices in the intimacy of a family and daring to cross frontiers of culture with pride - many of us can relate to it, very few admit to it. It takes balls of iron.

Moenie ons Homebru 2006-kompetisie misloop nie! Wen Kroes deur Pat Stamatelos! Klik hier vir meer.

LitNet: 16 May 2006

Click here to read answers of the Homebru 2006 fiction writers
Click here to read the answers of the Homebru 2006 non-fiction writers

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