Eastern Cape Literature Festival, Poetry
Venue: Olive Schreiner
Review
By Zoliswa Mdawini
“Ewe, le nto kakade yinto yalo nto.
Thina, nto zaziyo, asothukanga nto;
Sibona kamhlope, sithi bekumele,” – S.E.K Mqhayi
Mqhayi’s influential works have kept his memory alive and have touched many souls. On Sunday, 29th June, poets from across the Eastern Cape province gathered at Olive Schreiner hall in the Monument building to celebrate the life and work of S.E.K. Mqhayi, ne of South Africa’s most celebrated iimbongi (praise poets). The Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture organised the event to pay tribute to Mqhayi’s legacy and his role in shaping Xhosa poetry.
The poetry session featured a mix of talented poets, some of whom were selected through district auditions. Asiphesona Hewu took first place, with Akhona Mafani securing second. Both poets were chosen to represent the district at the Eastern Cape Literature Festival, and their performances were captivating.
There were also many other poets who took part, including poets from the Inqaka Poetry Club, founded by Mafani. These are young poets who are inspired to keep the future of poetry alive.
Seeing only two women poets represented in this poetry session was concerning. Feziwe Ntlamba, a radio host and poet, spoke passionately about women’s challenges in poetry. “Women are burying their heads in the sand,” she said. She also praised Jessica Mbangeni for her bravery and talent, saying, “Thanks to Jessica Mbangeni, who showed that women can excel in poetry.”
Hewu shared his thoughts on poetry as a career, saying, “Poets are lazy. It would make a huge difference if poets could have at least one weekly session.” He added that “the department can help us based on what we have.”
He then encouraged fellow poets, saying, “It is possible to make a living through poetry. Use your talent.”
After this Festival, “Sicela i-spoken word festival,” said Mafani.
