The power of poetry

Isiaia Hlongwane (23) from Kagiso wants to make an impact and inspire young people to better their communities through literature.

Isiaia, famously known as TK the Poet, has been writing and rhyming for four years.

“As someone who is committed to giving back to my community, I have coached a women’s football club and currently working on a movie that aims to uplift and inspire young people. I also founded TK Studio and Records, a record label that helps young talents develop their skills and master their craft. The studio provides a creative space for musicians to produce and record their music, while the record label supports artists in releasing their work to a wider audience,” he said.

His interest in poetry developed at a very young age when he was still in Magaliesburg State High School.

“When I was selected to be the class president in Grade Nine, I noticed that many students needed motivation. It was during this time that I developed a love for poetry. I started writing poems to inspire and encourage my fellow students. Looking back on it now, I realise that this was the beginning of a passion that I’ve carried with me ever since. I wanted to share this with people because I think it’s important to recognise the moments in our lives that shape who we are and what we’re passionate about. For me, it was that opportunity to lead and inspire others that sparked a love for the power of words.”

He has also launched an initiative that aims to assist disadvantaged youth with funding for their education.

“I have developed an initiative called Project Pay for School Fees. We aim to donate school bags to underprivileged students who are struggling to afford the necessary stations for school. We believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and we want to do our part to ensure that every child has access to the tools they need to succeed.”

However, to achieve his goal, Isiaia relies on donations from businesses and shops in the community.

“Our target is to collect school bags for students in need. As someone who grew up in a disadvantaged family, I know firsthand the pain of not having a school bag. It can make it much harder to focus on your studies and can even make you stand out negatively. Our motto is ‘Pay for the school fees or pay for the jail fees’. We believe that without education, many children will be at risk of getting involved in crime and will ultimately end up in jail. That’s why we are working hard to provide these essential tools for students,” Isiaia concluded.