Put pen to paper during lockdown, says award-winning poet
Moses Seletisha won the First-time Published Author Award at the South African Literary Awards and came second in the Avbob Poetry Award in 2017.
LIMPOPO – African languages and their social context is an area of interest for Moses Seletisha, who has chosen to restrict himself from writing in any language other than Sepedi.
The poet from the deep rural areas of Ga-Matlala a Rakgoadi in Sekhukhune, says lockdown has made it possible to write even more poems.
“I take pride in my work as it has been recognised by notable Sepedi writers such as Goodenough Mashego, Dr David Maahlamela, Matete Motsoaledi, Motimele Mabonchi and Diphete Bopape (Lenong la Gauta),” he said.
As an indigenous writer and poet, Moses was invited to recite his award-winning poem Mahlalerwa at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation in 2018.
“I won the First-time Published Author Award at the South African Literary Awards and came second in the Avbob Poetry Award in 2017,” he said.
His first book was titled Tshutshumakgala, which translates into ‘coal train’.
“I am not really sure what inspired me to be an author and a poet, but as soon as the literary ancestors summoned, I had to answer the call. I found myself winning important literary awards in South Africa and was recruited by a community theatre structure called Tswelopele Theatre Productions where I studied theatre,” he said.
He added that he was able to write a few plays. “I would write and direct shows, even in my secondary schooling days. I would mostly prepare the school for drama and poetry competitions and bit-by-bit the literary journey began,” he said.
Moses was exposed to works of notable writers such as Mpho Ramaano, Dr Maahlamela, David Ramakgwakgwa and Oupa Mongwe while he studied at the University of Limpopo (UL).
“These writers used to recite poetry and perform drama at the university’s annual Herifest Cultural Festival, which was organised by the head of the drama department and famous Ugandan playwright, John Ruganda,” he added.
Moses has written a number of poems, short stories and youth novels.
“Thuthumakgala ta bophelo bja Frans Tlokwe Maserumule is the first script to have been published. Some of my work is featured in more than 20 anthologies and online literary journals,” he said.
Moses advises aspiring writes, authors and poets to put their pen to paper during the lockdown.
“Most importantly; read and write, not vice versa. There are free literature workshops facilitated by the best, so participate in as many literary gatherings as possible and get to know how writers do it,” he advised.
