Mda Mda

Zakes Mda, born Zanemvula Kizito Gatyeni Mda, is a South African novelist, poet, playwright, painter, and filmmaker, son of anti-apartheid activist A.P. Mda, who faced exile to Lesotho in the 1960s due to political persecution.[1][2] He earned degrees including a BFA from the International Academy of Arts and Literature in Zurich, MFAs from Ohio University, and a PhD from the University of Cape Town, later becoming a professor and full-time artist.[1][3] Mda has won major South African, British, and international awards for his works blending African oral traditions, magical realism, and theatre.[1][7]