She is well-known in South Africa as a poet, performer and playwright, but has sadly been published more in foreign countries and languages than in her native South Africa. Having been fortunate enough to see her in action at the launch of Exclusive Books’ Homebru campaign in Johannesburg a few weeks ago, I was struck by the joy she so obviously takes from performing and the energy behind her words. One of the poems in Love Child entitled In the Company of Words illustrates her love for her life’s work:
“It is truly marvellous, wonderful and comforting
To know I have eyes to read
Hands that can write
And an enormous love for words
I am lucky to be speaking a few
extremely beautiful languages
For I love words — language’s ancestor”
The book also serves as a kind of autobiography in which Mhlophe cleverly uses her stories and poems to tell the reader the story of her life, her childhood in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, and her life in Johannesburg after completing her schooling. Her message is clear, she hopes to impart her enthusiasm and love of performance and writing in all of those who watch her perform and read her work. This volume contains some truly beautiful pieces that will strike a chord within most South Africans. Hopefully she will continue to add her own share of sweetness for many years to come!