By Gremma Matiwa
Makhanda poet Akhona Mafani launched the Ingqaka Poetry Academy last week with an event, Ikhwelo Lityala (‘The calling is a crime’), to celebrate Heritage Month and honour S.E.K. Mqhayi for his contributions to indigenous literature.
Ikhwelo Lityala event
Culture was at the forefront of the event. Most of the audience wore traditional clothing as the academy showcased its poets’ talent through praise poetry performances. The poets also received certificates for their participation in indigenous languages. Other performances included traditional dances and comedy.
Mafani’s commitment to furthering poetry in isiXhosa and celebrating indigenous culture was obvious; he mainly spoke in isiXhosa and selected only isiXhosa songs.
“Wearing traditional clothes and living our customs is a way of life; there is everything wrong with losing your belief,” said the host, Onguye Kama, explaining the importance of indigenous culture in modern-day South Africa.
Makana councillor Rami Xonxa spoke about cultural preservation in relation to the Constitutional Court ruling that allows men to take their wives’ surnames. The audience laughed and agreed with his reluctance to see this working in practice, as it is not done in Xhosa culture. He also acknowledged the importance of respecting democracy so as not to infringe on the rights of others.
“A nation that has lost its customs and traditions,” Mafani said, listing the ways people have turned away from their culture.
Poet and Miss Indoni Xhosa Queen 2025 Runner-Up, Rachel Mpela, said she was invited, “to encourage other girls about culture and how to behave. I want them to know more about culture, especially us Xhosa people, so that we can be proud and honourable and not lose our identity.”
Mpela said heritage is important to her as it reminds her of her origins, customs, and traditions. The event was an opportunity for her to revive her culture.
Mafani said the community can support the academy by attending events, donating to fundraising efforts, and referring aspiring writers and poets. “They have a home,” he said.
Background
“Ikhwelo Lityala carries a call seeking intervention, collaboration, motivation, and decolonisation of a dying country; a country that has lost its heritage and identity, its values through the passing of time,” said Mafani. “This is more than a statement but a call that I wish society could answer, so that we could be a better society: crime-free and united, a community through arts education, heritage, and cultural identity.”
“Ingqaka Poetry Academy is an unconventional literary agency aimed at nurturing and developing poetry skills,” said Mafani. “The academy forms part of a necessary intervention in the modern world that seeks to embrace, revive, decolonise and promote indigenous languages, especially isiXhosa, through poetry, song and writing.”
Mafani said the idea honours his late friend, Sphelo ‘Nqontsonqa’ Dyongman, an award-winning poet and SATMA nominee.
