Wilbur Smith: A Look Into the Life and Career of SA’s Renowned Adventure Novelist
- Zambian-born South African author Wilbur Smith passed away at the age of 88 at his home in Cape Town with his wife by his side
- Smith revolutionised story-telling and had the longest-running series in publishing history which saw him bring forth over 40 novels
- Smith was a well-respected author known for his ability to captivate the masses with just his words
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Wilbur Smith lived a life worth telling stories about. The Zambian-born author spent the majority of his life in South Africa and made a name for himself internationally with his keen ability to string words together in an empowering manner.
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Early life and education
Smith was born to Herbert James and Elfreda Smith in Kabwe, Zambia in 1933. He was named after American aviator Wilbur Wright. Smith had his fair share of battles as he overcame cerebral malaria as an infant and went on to fight polio at the age of 16.
For his secondary schooling, Smith attended Michaelhouse in KwaZulu-Natal. He went to Rhodes University for his tertiary education where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, leading him to a position at Rhodesia's Inland Revenue Service.
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First published novel - When the Lion Feeds
While working at the revenue service, Smith started writing When the Lion Feeds. It was the first book in his Courtney Series and was inspired by his own life. Smith grew up on his father's farm and 'ran in the wild' among the animals.
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Heinemann published the book in 1964 and it became a bestseller all over the Commonwealth - except in Mzansi. The Publication Control Board reportedly banned it for multiple reasons. According to Daily Maverick, the book was unbanned over a decade later.
When the Lion Feeds revolves around two brothers - Sean and Garrick Courtney - and their life on a cattle farm during the Zulu wars and gold rush. The novel allowed for Smith to quit his job at the revenue service and pursue writing as a full-time career.
Later career
By the time When the Lion Feeds was unbanned in SA, Smith had published seven other novels. Smith wrote 19 books as part of his Courtney Series with the last two being published in 2019. The first book in his Ballantyne Series was published in 1980. A further five books were written - all based in Africa.
Smith also wrote stand-alone books about poaching, pirating and diamond smuggling. He further expanded the Courtney Series to include aspects of ambition and conflict within a family, reports TimesLIVE.
Source: Getty Images
Marriages and children
In 1957, Smith married his first of four wives - Anne Rennie. They had a son and a daughter before divorcing in 1962. He married Jewell Slabbart in 1964, with whom he had a son. After divorcing Jewell, Smith married Danielle Thomas in 1971. They remained married until her death due to brain cancer in 1999.
In 2000, Smith married his fourth wife Mokhiniso Rakhimova in Cape Town. They remained married until his death on 13 November, 2021 at their home in the Mother City, according to SABC News.
Tributes pour in as people mourn the death of a legend
Yvonne Puren wrote:
"Best writer, love his books."
Tshoma Weezyana shared:
"RIP, legend."
Wander Wanderboy revealed:
"I love his novels."
Tsametse Chabalala commented:
"Best adventure writer."
Stanley Stanza Mabela added:
"The king of adventure."
Smith's words linger on for many who've read his novels. One of his most famous quotes reads:
"If I have to die, then it's best to do so before I see everything I love, the land, the animals, the people, all of it destroyed."
"Such a sad loss": Legendary author Wilbur Smith dies at 88, Mzansi pays tribute
Previously, Briefly News reported that Wilbur Smith died at the age of 88. A statement on his official Facebook page revealed that he died peacefully at his home in Cape Town. It stated that Smith spent the morning reading and writing with his wife Mokhiniso at his side.
The statement did not disclose the cause of his death. Check out some of the social media reactions to his passing:
@MrWood007 said:
"My dad’s favourite author, every Christmas I bought him the latest Wilbur Smith book. Such a sad loss, R.I.P."
@short165 said:
"My parents used to write letters to each other discussing his books. We often had 2 copies. Years after both my parents passed away Wilbur signed Golden Fox for them, he was a pleasure to meet and will be sorely missed. A sad day."
Source: Briefly News
