The Poetic Justice school’s poetry competition has reached its climax, with Simthembile Matyobeni of the Eastern Cape crowned the eventual winner.
The competition was held under the auspices of the department of justice and constitutional development’s National Forum Against Racism and was open to grade 11 and 12 learners from all nine provinces.
Dipale Keobaka came second in competition, while Daniel Cwele claimed the third spot.
This is Matyombeni’s winning entry, entitled A Better Place.
Imagine a friendly face where every soul sings with joy.
Where every mind is free from ignorance.
A place where civilisation reigns supreme.
A place where people are many in one.
I speak of South Africa.
The country created for a better future.
The country moulded today for a better future.
The country moulded today for a better tomorrow.
Racism deters our country’s aspirations.
It slackens the country’s development process.
It suppresses the love and care for the country.
And lets enmity thrive.
Thus demeaning the country’s reputation.
Philosophies of racism must be doomed.
False racial insinuations must be torn by the roots.
The legacy of racism must be mortalised.
Let not racism crawl towards our rendezvous of peace.
A racism free society must be created.
A spirit of togetherness must be acquired.
A new sense of patriotism must be adopted.
Racism need not be glorified but suppressed.
South Africa cradles all races in her loving arms.
She has warmth and extreme care.
She has no room for arrogant fanatics of super races.
Let her not be flooded by fallacies.
Let her be the river.
The river that quenches the thirst of all the people.
Let her be the provider that provides for the people’s goodness and riches.
Let her be a better country for all.
Let us all sing one song.
And sing with one voice.
Let us pursue one goal with one vision.
Co-operation is a major dependant of our country’s future.
Now is the time to let South Africa fly sky high for success and,
Great achievements.
Imagine a better future for all.
Imagine a better tomorrow, now is the time.