Mashudu Stanley Ramukhuba from Ha-Mandiwana in Nzhelele was delighted beyond words when his poem, titled Maduvha a mudali (Days of a Visitor), was chosen as one of the 11 winning entries for the 2022 AVBOB Poetry Competition.
The glamourous prize-giving event took place at the Pretoria Country Club on Wednesday, 21 September.
Although he does not think of himself as a writer, Ramukhuba (52) said he was inspired to enter the AVBOB Poetry Competition through the death of beloved family members. "This poem is a reminder to everyone who is still here on earth not to forget that we are merely visitors. Don't relax like you are here for good. What good did you do for this world that you will be remembered for after you are gone? That is the question we all should be asking ourselves constantly," he said.
In his keynote address, AVBOB CEO Mr Carl van der Riet described poetry as an art that had the unique ability to bypass the rational mind and logical intellectual process and speak directly to the heart.
He said the event was aimed at celebrating the power of poetry, to bring people together, to build community, and to offer uplifting words in times of loss. "We have a rich heritage of poetry in South Africa. As we each celebrate Heritage Month this September, I would like to encourage all of us to also remember this unique part of our heritage, which has served as such a beacon of hope and inspiration for people," he said.
Each winner received a prize, which included R10 000 in cash, a R2 500 book voucher, and an elegant trophy. Each guest also received a copy of the annual anthology that was launched at the event, I wish I'd said, Vol. 5, containing the winning poems.