Edgar Miyen, a well-known retired educator and acclaimed author, passed away on 22 October at the age of 73. He spent nearly four decades teaching Xitsonga and English, and his prolific writing inspired generations of learners and readers.
Since 2023, Miyen had battled illness and spent periods in and out of hospital. Despite this, his passion for education, writing and social justice endured until his passing.
Born in Derdepoort, Pretoria, Miyen and his family moved to Makhongele near Elim village in the early 1990s because of his involvement in the political struggle.
He is survived by eight children and nine grandchildren. His second-born, Timiya Miyen, described him as a devoted father and lifelong learner who was proud of his achievements.
"He had a sharp mind, was young at heart, and always eager to learn. Teaching was a calling, not a career, for him. He taught us a lot and was a caring father. The knowledge he gave us will pass to our children. He was a problem solver, and he even wrote his own funeral service programme. We can say he was a phenomenal father," said Timiya.
Miyen's love for writing began at the age of 14, inspired by his late father, who encouraged him to read political and literary works. His father often read books with political themes, such as Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton, while his uncle would help interpret them.
During his teaching career, Miyen published his first novel, Makumu ya vutomi byebyo (The End of That Life), at the age of 27. The book has been prescribed in schools from Grades 9 to 12 and in the first three years of university by the Department of Education.
After retiring from Elim Primary School in 2012, he wrote two more novels, including his latest work, Nthlamu (wu rhiyiwa emahlweni ni lendzaku), a Xitsonga novel dealing with domestic abuse and gender-based violence. Miyen spent ten years writing this book, using it to highlight social challenges — particularly violence against women — while promoting the Xitsonga language.
Miyen's family said they would remember him as a convener, leader and speaker whose influence extended far beyond his home and into the wider community.