Award-winning Siswati poet dreams of sharing her work with the world
Siswati poet Bongekile Siboza wants to write books that will be studied in schools up to the university level.
Masoyi poet Bongekile Siboza says she hopes to fly the Mpumalanga flag high across the world through her Siswati poetry. She recently performed in Durban at a three-day colloquium for early childhood development (ECD) founders, held from October 9 to 11.
Siboza said standing on a platform filled with professionals and academics was the highlight of her life as a poet. She added that she is confident her passion for writing and performing poetry will open doors for her to travel the world.
By day, the 38-year-old works as a security guard, taking time off whenever she receives bookings to perform. She is also studying towards becoming an ECD teacher.
Siboza told Lowvelder Express that her love for poetry began in Grade 10, when her family and friends encouraged her creative journey.
“When I was in Grade 10, I taught myself how to write and recite poems. I gained confidence when the school allowed me to perform during school events,” she said.
In 2010, she won a World Cup-themed poetry competition held at Mbombela Stadium. The competition featured entries in multiple languages, and she took first place in the Siswati category.
Siboza told the newspaper that she envisions a future in which she writes for educational publications studied up to university level. She also hopes to teach learners how to read and write in Siswati.
