Alan Paton is one of South Africa's most celebrated authors. His most renowned novel is 'Cry, the Beloved Country' which was published in 1948. Paton was also involved in South African politics and social reform, and was a founding member of the Liberal Party. In 1953, he went on to lead the party.

Paton often felt divided in his calling, and he is quoted as saying "My whole life has been a struggle between the writer and the activist, and it has not stopped..." 

In April 1988, Paton was diagnosed with inoperable cancer of the throat. He died in Durban on 12 April 1988. He continued to write until the time of his death.

References:

1. Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau.)
2. Alan Paton, special feature [online], available at: sahistory.org.za [last accessed 6 April 2009]