When I saw the theme for Poetry Africa 2024, my immediate reaction was, “This is it! I have to be there!”
Dennis Brutus’ poem Somehow We Survive resonates deeply with me as my poems speak to survival, overcoming challenges and the indomitable human spirit that prevails in South Africa.
My plan was to attend the festival and soak in the powerful words of accomplished poets. But this plan soon changed.
I saw the Perfect Pitch call out, and decided to throw my words into the mix with an online application. It was an opportunity to pitch your work to festival directors/curators from across the world who are scouting for South African content for a possible exchange opportunity.
Being chosen as one of the 10 poets to do just that still seems surreal. I was extremely nervous as until then I had never shared my poetry as spoken word but rather in print or online. It was a totally new experience and one that I am eternally grateful for. The day too could not have been more auspicious as it was Vijaya Dashami – The Day of Victory – marking the end of the nine significant days of the Hindu festival of Navaratri.
Participating in the Perfect Pitch session with an extremely talented group of creatives has fuelled my passion for poetry even further. And while my poetry will continue to be work in progress, it will always be my form of activism, my cathartic release and the way I make sense of the world.
Thank you to the incredible team at Poetry Africa and the Centre for Creative Arts for the amazing support, online workshops and advice throughout. Ismail Mahomed, Siphindile Nuh Chelsea Hlongwa, Quaz Roodt and Thalente Ndlovu – please take a bow! A big thank you too to the international festival directors/curators for the invaluable input and motivation.
Musa Hlatshwayo – you were simply outstanding as the host. That moment when you shared the meaning of the word sisonke with the audience will remain in my heart forever. Indeed, that’s how we survive as South Africans…
SISONKE – TOGETHER 
