Limpopo poet returns with new Tshivenda anthology
Morris Rathumbu releases his second Tshivenda anthology, using poetry to preserve the language and inspire hope, healing, and resilience.
LIMPOPO – After nearly two years away from the literary scene, Madodonga resident Morris Rathumbu has returned with his second anthology, ‘Dzomo la Vhapenyu’.
Rathumbu says his writing is a gift from God, and this new collection brings together 20 poems rich in pure Tshivenda expression.
He believes poets play a vital role in keeping a language alive.
“It’s up to us to record our words and idioms. I’ve seen how Tshivenda is slowly fading as English dominates our daily conversations. That pushed me to use poetry to revive our language,” he said.
He began writing poetry and plays for his own enjoyment, sharing them with family and friends.
Over time, he realised poetry is not just entertainment, but healing.
“Poetry is an art of expression, a way to address the deep issues people face every day. It brings peace, joy, stimulation and even serves as therapy. It can educate, empower, unite and challenge how we see life.”
In ‘Dzomo la Vhapenyu’, his poems explore personal struggle, resilience, and hope. Many of the characters he writes about have faced failure in life, relationships, marriage or business, but rise again to reclaim what they lost.
“My poems take readers from despair to hope. I want to help shift people’s attitudes from negative to positive,” he concluded.
