Gundo Budeli, a learner from Mpfariseni High School in Malamangwa village, has written a poem that he dedicated to Cyril Ramaphosa, and his only wish is for an opportunity to recite it to the president in person. The 19-year-old poet says he wants to use his God-given talent to show his appreciation for the good work that the Head of State is doing to improve the lives of South Africans.
Gundo, also known as “Gundo Murendi” in the entertainment industry, hails from Mangondi ha Sidou near Thohoyandou. In his spare time, he is also a voice-over artist who does radio advertisements for private clients to promote their businesses on various radio stations.
Gundo says that, for him, poetry runs in his blood. He started writing and reciting poems when he was in primary school. “When it was time for reading or unprepared speeches, I always made a big impression on my teachers and fellow learners. During school events, the teachers would ask me to entertain guests either by reciting a poem or telling a joke. That built a strong foundation for my love for poetry, and the rest is now history.”
He plans on publishing a poetry book next year. “Besides the poems I have composed for specific events, I have compiled more than 30 other poems and my goal is to put them in a book for everyone to read. But I have to strike a balance between my education and my poetry because education is a priority for development.”
He added that although a lot of his work had been stolen by other poets, he would never stop doing what he loved best. “It has happened before that after I had performed in public, other people would copy me elsewhere. That is a very big disappointment, but it will never stop me from practising the talent that God gave me.”
