Limpopo Poetry Slam Awards produce fresh young talent

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Seventeen-year-old Kgawelo Rabambukwa from Niani Tshipise left a mark in the hearts and minds of her audience during the prestigious Limpopo Poetry Slam Competition. She secured first place in the fiercely competitive English Spoken Words Poetry category, and her performance was nothing short of captivating.

The event took place at the Njhakanjhaka Community Hall in Bungeni village on Saturday, 15 July, with an audience of more than 200 guests. Hlayisani Antonette Shiburi from Madobi village, also known as N’wa Jika The Poet Phyembye Ra Africa was the host of the function that was graced by dignitaries such as Hosi Given Bungeni and others. The audience was treated to mesmerizing performances by acclaimed artists such as Themba Nyathi, DJ Mfundisi, and Maponyani, to name but a few.

Shiburi said that the competition not only celebrated linguistic diversity but also encouraged the younger generation to embrace and explore the art of poetry. The event was divided into two categories, namely Praise Poetry and Spoken Words Poetry, each with sub-categories in English, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, and Sepedi.

Kgawelo showcased her exceptional talent amid fierce competition from 11 other poets, leaving the audience spellbound before ultimately achieving her well-earned victory. For her achievement, she was awarded a gold trophy, a certificate, and a handsome cash reward of R2,000. “It has been a great honour for me to have won, and I hope to achieve more in the future and reach greater heights, like N’wa Jika and VendaBoy Poet, as they are my role models,” she said.

Sixteen-year-old Roberta Shikwambana from Elim won second place in the English category (Spoken Words).

In the Xitsonga Praise Poetry category, Zanele Zitha claimed the top spot, with Lulama Mabunda in second place. Both are from Giyani. In the Sepedi category (Praise Poetry), Tshabopja Moshoma from Sepukubje village emerged as the winner, while Maria Madihlabo from Polokwane took the second place. In the Tshivenda category (Praise Poetry), Edwin Netshidzati from Elim Mpheni secured the first position, and Tsireledzo Malitsha from Ha-Masakona took second place.

Each winner went home with a trophy, medal, certificate, cash prize, and a goodie bag.

By: Thembi Siaga

Thembi Siaga started as an intern during 2021. He assisted with video photography and editing. He also produced numerous small documentaries, focusing on the Vhembe region and its people. Currently he works as a freelance journalist, covering stories in the Elim area.

Thembi studied at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed his diploma in Journalism in 2021.