Maroon Jersey by Jeremy Cronin - Dr Mark Espin, University of the Western Cape

In this lecture, Dr. Mark Espin analyzes Jeremy Cronin's poem Maroon Jersey, focusing on the jersey as a symbol of solidarity and survival during apartheid. He traces the journey of the jersey from Sweden to South African exiles, highlighting its role as a communal resource in times of need. He then examines how, 25 years later, the worn jersey takes on a deeper, symbolic value, representing the erosion of political ideals in post-apartheid South Africa. Dr. Espin explores the poem’s themes of memory, sacrifice, and the need to preserve the spirit of collective action.