WENTWORTH author Cyril James received the lifetime achievement award at the recent Durban International Book Fair, a recognition that he described as one of the most emotional moments of his life.

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Now 80 years old, James has spent the past 15 years developing a remarkable literary legacy. His ninth book, Durbanite in District 6, released earlier this year, is a memoir of his time in Cape Town in the 1960s when he was homeless and staying with “the Strollers” in District Six. His first novel, Many a Cold Night, got him established as a writer and continues to be popular for its raw and unflinching depiction of apartheid life.

“This award means the world to me. I dedicate it to my late wife and the whole coloured community. I have received seven awards for my literary work, but never in my life did I imagine I would be receiving an award like this. It’s very overwhelming to see my long and hard journey be acknowledged,” said James.

James’s life is a testament to his resilience. Raised in poverty, he quit school in Grade Seven to support his family when his father died. He did whatever job he could muster, pushing coal and timber around in a wheelbarrow, to hawking fruits and vegetables. Despite all this, he never lost his love for the written word and would sneak into libraries to read for hours.

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It was not until 2010, after his retirement and with the motivation of his late wife, did James write his first book. Writing became both his passion and a source of healing, particularly after the couple lost their only child. Despite skepticism from those who dismissed him for not having a formal education, James persevered, determined to prove that his voice mattered.

Anivesh Singh, co-founder of Durban International Book Fair, said that the Durban International Book Fair was pleased to recognise James’s work. “James has an astonishing body of work which represents the gritty reality of life. He has shown incredible determination to publish his work despite all the odds stacked against him. He is a role model to upcoming writers,” said Singh.

Today, with nine titles released and a tenth manuscript underway, James has made a name for himself as a voice for stories of displacement, injustice and survival.

“As long as I have a story to tell, I will continue to write,” said James.

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