By Ruvesen Naidoo
On 31 October 2023, Amazwi South African Museum of Literature hosted the launch of the 2023 issue of the literary journal Ons Klyntij’ alongside their Reddit Poetry Night, which happens on the last Friday of every month. Ons Klyntji is an A6-sized publication that features 152 pages of South African creativity in the form of poems, short stories, cartoons and photographs. The contributions are either in English or Afrikaans.
The evening celebrated the contributions of six Makhanda-based authors to this year’s issue of Ons Klyntji, which included Anton Krueger, Brian Garman, Jeannie Wallace Mckeown, Lilitha Boco, Marike Beyers and Robyn Perros.
Amongst the contributors, Boco, a Rhodes University student, says, “I feel privileged for my work to be selected, to be a part of the scene, and I cannot wait to publish more pieces”. Boco gave the audience a reading of her short story titled ‘You Are Alive’.
Garman, a lecturer in the School of Journalism at Rhodes University, described his contribution of a doodle to this year’s issue as one “Inspired by Noxolo’s Grootman’s life journey”, which she spoke about during her recent visit to the School of Journalism in July this year. The doodle represents her life story.
Since there was no strict adherence to themes, contributor Mckeown’s humorous poem about her experience with load shedding made the evening feel current and reflective of shared societal experiences.
Perros, a student at Rhodes, said, “I feel really honoured to be a part of the issue, and it’s also nice to see everyone here enjoying a bit of poetry on a Tuesday evening.”
Marike Beyers, senior curator at Amazwi SA Museum of Literature, says, “The issue has a funky vibe buzzing with the things South Africans feel strong about, mull around and want to shout, cry or laugh about. Contributions in Afrikaans, Kaaps & English, with entries in doodlish and other visual forms into the mix”.
Ons Klyntji 2023 can be purchased from Beyers at Amazwi for R50. Contact m.beyers@amazwi.museum for more details on purchasing.
