South Africa, a country known for its rich cultural diversity and proud heritage of 11 official languages, faces unique challenges when it comes to publishing books in indigenous languages, particularly in the realm of poetry.
However, as International Mother Language Day approaches, the AVBOB Poetry Project is shining a spotlight on the multilingual and vibrant work of Sizakele Nkosi, a poet, children's writer, and creative writing lecturer at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley.
Nkosi, through her House of Siza platform, has been a pioneer in facilitating poetry and jazz sessions for years. Her debut collection, "u-Grand, Malume?" published by Botsotso last year, showcases her exceptional talent and deep connection to her roots.
Nkosi, through her House of Siza platform, has been a pioneer in facilitating poetry and jazz sessions for years. Her debut collection, "u-Grand, Malume?" published by Botsotso last year, showcases her exceptional talent and deep connection to her roots.
While most of the poems in the collection are in English, the title itself reflects Nkosi's keen ear for the urban slang of Johannesburg.
In a poignant reflection on her personal history, Nkosi reveals the inspiration behind her work, stating, "These poems are my way of preserving and celebrating the people in the township and bringing my uncles' spirits back home."
In a poignant reflection on her personal history, Nkosi reveals the inspiration behind her work, stating, "These poems are my way of preserving and celebrating the people in the township and bringing my uncles' spirits back home."
The collection pays homage to her uncles and the role they played in her life, highlighting the importance of family and heritage.
Nkosi's decision to present several poems first in isiZulu, her mother tongue, before translating them into English underscores her commitment to making her work accessible to a broader audience.
Nkosi's decision to present several poems first in isiZulu, her mother tongue, before translating them into English underscores her commitment to making her work accessible to a broader audience.
By incorporating elements of both isiZulu and English in her poetry, she creates a unique and inclusive literary experience that resonates with readers from diverse backgrounds.
Looking ahead, Nkosi remains hopeful about the future of poetry in indigenous languages, emphasizing the need for continued support and recognition.
Looking ahead, Nkosi remains hopeful about the future of poetry in indigenous languages, emphasizing the need for continued support and recognition.
As she aptly puts it, "I believe poets should use language that is true to them, that expresses them. Our indigenous languages shouldn't be stuck in some pure form either."
Through her evocative poetry, Sizakele Nkosi is not only preserving the beauty of indigenous languages but also sparking important conversations about social realities in South Africa.
Through her evocative poetry, Sizakele Nkosi is not only preserving the beauty of indigenous languages but also sparking important conversations about social realities in South Africa.
