I was born on a farm outside of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown). I was raised by my grandparents who instilled the value of education and God’s reverence in me. Since growing up, I always forgot that I was living with a disability, until I was faced with a challenge that revealed that I was born with tuberculosis of the spine and suffered polio in my right leg. I constantly had to visit Settlers’ Hospital for doctor’s appointments.
I matriculated from Nathaniel Nyaluza Secondary School and worked in several spaces. I started off as a patron at the Masizame Cultural Group and later worked at The Studio at the Recreation Centre during the National Arts Festival. I was doing links between the groups and Choirs performing there. I then worked as a Liaison officer for the Caravan Park project whilst it was being renovated to become the Makana Resort.
I am a poet, a writer, and a thespian. I hold a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing from Rhodes University, and currently doing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism. I intend to do a PhD in Journalism and probably lecture at one of the universities in the Eastern Cape. I am a focused and committed person who strives for what he sets his sights on.
(Sandile Dudu Saki is a 2023 Grocott’s Mail student journalist, studying for a postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies).
