MAXWELL THE GORILLA AND THE ARCHBISHOP OF SOSHANGUVE

185pp., illus., paperback, Botsotso, Johannesburg, 2026 

ISBN: 9780639886817

An epic satirical poem by the late South African poet, playwright, and cultural activist Angifi Proctor Dladla, based on an incident at the Johannesburg Zoo in 1997, when Max the Gorilla was shot and wounded by a fleeing criminal who jumped into his enclosure.

The poem explores post-liberation paralysis, societal folly, political and institutional corruption, and the complexities of modern South Africa.

Includes an introduction by Kelwyn Sole and an essay on Dladla’s life and work by Vonani Bila and Olufemi J. Abodunrin.

Angifi Proctor Dladla (1950–2020) was born in Thaka township and lived most of his life in Katlehong, south-east of Johannesburg. He published two poetry collections in English and one in isiZulu, as well as eight plays, and edited and published a multilingual anthology entitled Wa lala, Wa sala and Reaching Out: Voices from Groenpunt Maximum-Security Prison. He also founded the Community Life Network, the Akudlalwa Communal Theatre, Chakida Publishers, E.R.T.O.N and Boksburg Progressive Presses, Bachaka Theatre, the Community Life Network and the Femba Writing Project.at Groenpunt Prison.