IAWA (International African Writers Association) South Africa branch bring reconciliation in Africa and gives a voice to the voiceless from underprivileged circumstances, via poetry.
A perfect example of a product of such circumstances,is the following piece of writing, written by Motsiri Mapitsi, a grade 8 learner from Leihwa Secondary School in a rural village of Limpopo Province in South Africa. He represented himself as such amongst others:
"STRENGTH OF AFRICA"
In days of old, our forebears roamed the earth.
No permits or permission held their worth.
Rivers flowed freely, open to explore, they tilled the land with spirits, hearts and more.
The fertile soil beneath our feet would yield.
Bricks for homes, a testament, our shield.
We shaped our world with hands both bold and long.
This legacy of strength I’m Africans strong.
Lets not forsake our roots, our native land.
Protect our fields where the heritage does stand.
Cattle graze, our language, mothers dear.
Together we're unbreakable, never to fear.
For in unity, our power shall endure, our strength as Africans, forever pure."
IAWA South Africa branch in association with award winning Zimbabwean author Kudzai Mhangwa and South African author, publisher, playwriter and national president of Iawa SA Branch, Lendy Cindy Thobejane, is currently hosting its first poetry competition for writers all over Africa.
The main objective of this poetry competition is to unite Africans through words.
To established and fixate the pride we ought to have in our African literature in its diversity.
To promote our talents.
To compile a poetry anthology consisting of all the master writing pieces from the various African poets who entered the competition.
To strengthen the roots of our heritage as Africans.
To address social and emotional challenges by expressing it through poetry.
To broaden the mindsets of children and youth regarding a future in writing.
To build better bonds by teaching passive means of retaliation and communication through literature.
Last but not the least to change the minds of readers in general by teaching them how to fall in love and connect with a piece of writing and see it come to life.
Entries was free of charge and done via e-mail. The competition is now in the judging process where over 300 poems was entered, we have shortlisted 40 on the 4th of May 2024.
The 40 selected ones will have their poems published in IAWA SA's first Poetry Anthology entitled "Rise of the unknown African Child " and initiative that requires resources and funding therefore we are humbly asking anyone who's got a love for literature or a love for our children and youth, to come forth and invest in them in whatever way possible as it will be highly appreciated and be put to great use to expand the platform going forward.
The main objective of the competition is to revive the gift of expressing oneself through writing, amongst the children and youth and to unite Africans by giving them a platform to showcase their talent and skills and to take pride therein.
Help us to make Africa a united place for those who comes after us. Thank you in advance.
For more any enquiries and making of donations please email: iawasabranch@gmail.com or iawawesterncape@gmail.com
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