Explore our literary Collections

What we have

Amazwi houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of resources relating to South African literature in English. The museum preserves South Africa’s literary heritage through state-of-the-art environmental controls and monitoring procedures.


The collection includes authors’ manuscripts, photographs, posters, theatre programmes and published works, as well as comprehensive resources on South African literature, such as critical works, reviews and interviews published in books, journals and press-clippings, including digital material.

 

Since 2019, Amazwi’s collection mandate encompasses all of South Africa’s official languages. The museum is now collecting literature in all indigenous languages and encourages donors to contribute to Amazwi’s collection drive. The Curatorial Division has initially prioritised collection of the works of literary authors who write in isiXhosa.

Accessing the collections

Amazwi makes the museum’s collections available for research purposes to academics, educators and the public, by appointment. Access to certain manuscripts and rare books may be limited. Amazwi digitises selected materials in order to contribute to their accessibility, a process which also helps to conserve fragile objects.

The museum is working towards sharing its catalogue online but in the meantime, we are able to assist researchers in accessing our collections. Anyone can do this, either by visiting Amazwi’s Reading Room or by emailing a curator, who will assist with information and digitisation, as appropriate. You can reach Amazwi through the details provided on the ‘Contact Us’ page.

The collections are the foundation of Amazwi’s exhibition programme, which includes permanent, temporary, digital and travelling exhibitions. They also form the basis of research and other activities by the museum’s staff that promote South African literature.

Theatre Posters

Literary artefacts
Amazwi’s collection extends beyond paper-based materials. The museum also houses a variety of objects that belonged to prominent South African writers and artists. These objects include personal artifacts such as clothing, writing instruments, and everyday items that were significant in the lives of these literary figures. Our literary artifacts also feature multimedia materials such as film reels, and radio cassettes. Each item in the collection, whether a handwritten letter, a piece of clothing, or a recorded interview, contributes to the narrative of South Africa’s literary heritage.
Tatamkhulu Afrika's ID book which symbolizes the tenacity and resistance of a South African poet and writer who opposed apartheid.
Spier/PANSA New Writing Award presented to theatre legend and playwright Jill Fletcher
The Cullinan diamond replica owned by Geoffrey Jenkins, a South African journalist, novelist, and screenwriter, adds a touch to the collection. Jenkins’s novel A Twist of Sand was translated into 23 languages, reflecting his international reach and the global appeal of his storytelling.
A box with handwritten cards drawn by Chris Zithulele, an award-winning South African poet, is another treasure in the collection. Zithulele’s contributions include articles, plays, multimedia poetry productions, and books. The handwritten cards list sources on indigenous South African languages, literature, and culture, showing his dedication to preserving and promoting linguistic and cultural heritage.
A trophy presented to Barney Simon, a South African writer, playwright, and director. The trophy honors Simon's achievements to the arts.
A wig that belonged to actress Bess Finney, best known for her role as Sister Margherita in the 1976 film e’Lollipop. This artefact portrays the intersection of literature and film in telling African stories.
A carving collected by Stuart Cloete, a South African novelist, essayist, biographer, and short story writer.
James Percy Fitzpatrick’s leather wallet. Fitzpatrick is the celebrated author of the classic children's book Jock of the Bushveld, a story that has captivated generations of readers with its vivid portrayal of the South African wilderness and the adventures of a loyal dog.
A desktop address book of theatre personality Anthony Farmer. The address book is designed in the form of a rotary telephone dial; it opens to the relevant pages when a letter is dialled.
Guy Butler is the founder of Amazwi South African museum of literature, formerly known as National English Literary Museum. He was a South African poet and playwright. He studied and edited diaries of colonial settlers and was considerably involved in the theatre. Guy Butler’s sculpture symbolizes the foundation and origins of the museum which are a constant reminder of its roots and the principles upon which it was built.
Typewriter used by Herman Charles Bosman to write stories. It portrays the evolving process of writing and the technology used by writers in the early to mid-20th century.
A clipper board (or clapperboard) from a production by the prominent South African playwright, director, and producer Leon Gluckman. He was instrumental in adapting South African literary and theatrical texts for stage and screen.The clipper board represents this transition from written word to performed narrative.
Film reels containing prints for Athol Fugard’s ‘A Lesson from Aloes’
Leon Gluckman, Chris Zithulele’s performance hat and waistcoat
Woodcut for the cover of the 1975 edition of Sol Plaatje’s novel Mhudi, one of the earliest novels written by a black South African author in English.
A penknife is a personal item found in the museum’s collection. It belonged to the prolific poet, playwright, author, and scientist, Douglas Livingstone. In the olden days, a penknife was used for sharpening quills to be used as pens, hence the name "penknife. This penknife represents writing and creativity. It is a fitting piece in a literature museum as it closely relates to the process of writing in the olden days.
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Manuscripts
Our manuscript collection is a rich and irreplaceable archive of South Africa’s literary history, safeguarding original drafts, handwritten notes, and unpublished works by both prominent and emerging writers. These fragile documents reveal the creative processes behind some of our most cherished literature. Some of the works in this collection faced significant challenges reaching the public, particularly under the harsh restrictions of apartheid-era censorship. By preserving these manuscripts, the museum not only celebrates South Africa’s literary heritage but also acknowledges the resilience of its storytellers. In this way, we ensure that future generations can explore, study, and draw inspiration from the voices that refused to be silenced.
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Creative works
Our creative works collection encompasses novels, poetry, and short stories that are acquired and organized for preservation, exhibition, research, and public enjoyment. Beyond supporting scholarship and learning, these literary collections inspire readers, offering entertainment and a deeper appreciation of South Africa’s rich and diverse literary heritage.
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Critical Works
To support scholarly interpretation, our collections also include a substantial range of critical works. They explore themes, styles, historical contexts, and the broader cultural or theoretical significance of literary texts. Our collection of critical works are in a form of literary criticism, essays, reviews, and academic articles. They are mostly invaluable to students and researchers studying literature at all levels.
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Collection Highlights
These highlights bring attention to the most striking and meaningful pieces in our collection
Women in Writing
Amazwi celebrates the impactful contributions of South Africa’s women writers whose creative and literary voices shaped society across colonial, apartheid, and post-apartheid eras. Our Special Collection features the works of Sindiwe Magona, Olive Schreiner, and Nontsizi Mgqwetho, each of whom wrote with remarkable resilience, courage, and insight into the challenges of their time. By preserving and showcasing the literary contributions of these women writers, Amazwi embraces the role of women writers in challenging oppressive systems and inspiring new generations. Their words speak across time, encouraging contemporary society to reflect on issues of justice, gender, and empowerment.
Sindiwe magona
Sindiwe Magona’s writing explores the lived experiences of women during apartheid and into post-apartheid South Africa. Her novels, autobiographies, and short stories illuminate the struggles of Black South African women against poverty, oppression, and social injustices.
Nontsizi Mgqwetho
Nontsizi Mgqwetho was one of the first female isiXhosa poets to produce a substantial body of work. Writing at a time when colonial and patriarchal systems sought to silence Black women, she boldly challenged injustice, spoke against the exclusion of women, and inspired unity among African people. Her poems address oppression, cultural loss, and gender inequality with a fierce poetic voice that defied convention.
Olive Schriener
Olive Schreiner wrote during the colonial period and into the early years of the Union of South Africa. Her novel The Story of an African Farm questioned Victorian ideals and patriarchal authority, making her a pioneering figure in feminist literature. Schreiner challenged existing power structures, raised questions about women’s independence, and advocated for political reform long before South Africa embraced democracy.
IsiXhosa classics
At Amazwi, we are proud to feature a remarkable are collection of isiXhosa literary classics. Our collections spotlight the works of iconic authors such as John Knox Bokwe, Randall Langa Peteni, John Solilo, David Yali-Manisi, A.C. Jordan, S.E.K Mqhayi, Ntsikana, Nontsizi Mgqwetho, Walter Benson Rubusana, James James Ranisi Jolobe, Samuel Edward Krune Mqhayi, Isaac Williams Wauchope, Guybon Bundlwana Sinxo, Davidson Don Tengo Jabavu, Tiyo Soga, Witness Kholekile Tamsanqa, and Nontsizi Mgqwetho. These authors not only pioneered writing in isiXhosa, but also captured the struggles, traditions, aspirations, and wisdom of their communities. Some of these texts have also been translated into isiXhosa,. By preserving and showcasing their works, we honour their lasting contributions to South African literature and ensure that future generations can appreciate and draw inspiration from this vibrant legacy.
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