Diana Ferrus

I met Diana Ferrus in 2011 in Johannesburg, at the African Women Writers' Symposium. 

Diana Ferrus was a poet and storyteller. Autographing her book for me, which contained her famous poem, 'I've come To Take You Home,' I was drawn to this charismatic and down-to-earth woman. We spoke a lot about poetry and life, and she was so encouraging. We still kept in touch, years later.

I learned about her poem,  'I've Come to take You Home,' which she wrote in response to the cruel treatment South African woman Sarah Baartman received, at the hands of Europeans in the early 1800s.  

Sarah was enslaved and taken to Europe and because of her unique features, exploited and exhibited in public. She tragically died when she was 25 years old.

Diana shared the story of her poem, 'I've Come to Take You Home,' which she wrote, reiterating the horrific journey of Sarah Baartman to Europe and the treatment she experienced.

Diana was deeply moved and as a way to honour Sarah, wrote this poem little knowing the profound impact it would have. French Senator Nicholas About, came across the poem and started the process of repatriating Sarah's remains to South Africa.

And when Sarah's remains were safely returned, it was a moment of victory. The pem is indeed powerful.

I would have loved to meet Diana again physically. That will not happen. I am glad that I did get to meet this icon. I am glad that I got to meet a genuine, brilliant and beautiful soul. She may not be with us on earth and yet her works live on. 

Farewell, Diana.

Beverley N Nsengiyunva

Diana is on the left, autographing her poetry collection for me, 2011. 

https://beverleynambozon.blogspot.com/2026/01/diana-ferrus.html