JOHANNESBURG — Renowned South African author and poet Breyten Breytenbach, a prominent adversary of the nation’s previous apartheid regime, has passed away in Paris, as confirmed by his family on Sunday. He was 85 years old.

Breytenbach was a distinguished literary figure, celebrated for his work in Afrikaans, a language developed by white settlers that descends from Dutch, and known for his strong opposition to apartheid. In the 1970s, he spent seven years imprisoned for treason after returning from his exile in Paris.

His literature often revolved around important concepts such as exile, identity, and justice, according to a statement released by his family on Sunday.

“He was recognized for his exquisite collections of poetry in Afrikaans and for personal narratives like ‘The True Confessions of an Albino Terrorist’ and ‘A Season in Paradise.’ His fearless exploration of exile, identity, and justice left a lasting impression on readers,” the family elaborated.

Breytenbach was not only a poet and novelist but also a painter and activist whose work had a profound impact on both local and international literary and artistic circles.

Born in the Western Cape province in 1939, Breytenbach spent a significant part of his life living abroad. During his time in exile, he became involved with Okhela, a political faction aligned with South Africa’s African National Congress, while maintaining a deep connection to his homeland.

He is survived by his wife, Yolande, his daughter Daphnée, and two grandsons.