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Sepedi poet and cultural worker Moses Seletisa
AFRICAN LANGUAGES

Speaking in tongues: The literary revolution rooted in Sepedi and Setswana

The quiet power of Moses Seletisa’s Sepedi poetry and Sabata Mokae’s Setswana novels

  • Rolland Simpi Motaung
8 min read
Rest in power: Poet James Matthews, who died last week, is pictured here with his great-grandchildren Sophia and Luther on his 95th birthday earlier this year. Photo: Jimi Matthews
FRIDAY

Farewell James Matthews, and thank you for wrapping us in your words

The poet wrote about racism, oppression, ageing and hope with a trademark humility

  • Siona O’Connell
4 min read
Detonation: Koleka Putuma’s words breathe easily as the poet delivers them on stage, dressed in a white spacesuit and matching sunglasses. (Manyano Media)
BRENDA FASSIE

Hullo, Bu-Bye, Koko, Come In shapeshifts into another dimension

Koleka Putuma’s triumphant adaptation allows audience to see stagecraft influence poetry

  • Kwanele Sosibo
3 min read
‘Take me for a ride’: Myesha Jenkins’s instrument was the word, and she played an important role in claiming the stage for women poets. Photos: myeshajenkins.com
ACTIVIST

Myesha Jenkins: A sister who always said it with feeling

Poet and activist Myesha Jenkins (1948-2020) took her craft, including her teaching, extremely seriously

  • Gwen Ansell
5 min read