Chris N van der Merwe

As a lecturer in Afrikaans and Dutch, Chris N van der Merwe has taught classes in almost every facet of language and literature, including courses in Afrikaans drama and prose, as well as literary theory. He has written numerous articles in Afrikaans, English and Dutch and is the author, co-author, or editor of seventeen books. His research over the years has focused on sociopolitical issues and the expression of morality and truth in literature. Since the 1990s, his research has come to focus on typical issues in post-apartheid South Africa, exploring themes such as identity, trauma, guilt, fear, and forgiveness in a transitioning society. With his retirement as professor of Afrikaans and Dutch at the end of 2009, the University of Cape Town awarded him the status of Emeritus. Chris is also the author of the popular books, Die gebreekte net and The Broken Snare.