Born in Soweto in 1957, Chris spent most of his life in Riverlea, publishing his first volume of poetry at the age of 22. An editor for Staffrider and Ravan Press, his first love was writing, especially for children. His poem “In Detention” conjures up the evils of the racist security system under apartheid. His childhood memoir, Shirley Goodness & Mercy, bubbles with humour and love for his mother, family and friends. A brilliant raconteur and humanist, Chris died prematurely in 2014 aged 57.