Two lovely lady poets from the region, Hlayisani Shiburi and Sheila Mathevula, recently published an anthology of verse, called Vusiwana I Baji (poverty is a jacket). The theme around this collection of 30 inspirational poems, written in Xitsonga, is meant to remind people that nothing bad that happens in life is ever permanent, no matter what background you come from.
Hlayisani (32) is affectionately known as N'wa Jika The Poet Phyembye Ra Africa and hails from Madobi village. She said that she and Sheila happened to share a common ancestry. Sheila (34) is also known as Sheila De Poetic Queen and is from Bungeni village. Both these multi-talented women use their writing and recitation skills to supplement their income.
"Neither one of us was raised by our parents on a steady income. The title of the anthology is a source of motivation, not only for us, but for the nation as well; that we should not be afraid to try and fail, as long as we get up and try again," said Hlayisani.
Hlayisani has written more than 80 uplifting poems. She drew her inspiration from acclaimed multi-award-winning praise singer Masingita Shivambu, known by her stage name of Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga. She has earned herself a number of accolades thus far, including winning the Best Poet award at the KADAWA awards in 2020 and Best Poet award during the Collins Chabane Night of Fame First Annual Awards, among others. She was also nominated for the Best Poetry category at the LIMA awards in 2022 and will represent South Africa in a Ghana-based virtual poetry session, called Global Poetgasm Fiesta, which will be held every first week of the month.
Hlayisani is not only a praise poet, author, voice-over artist, actor, entrepreneur and qualified electrician, but she has also established her own clothing brand, called Switirhela Ku Lulama Clothing.
Sheila has a decade of writing experience under her belt. For some time, she lived with her late grandmother, Nwa Magezi Mhlakazi, who instilled in her a love of storytelling from a young age. She has more than 130 poems to her name. She serves as a master of ceremonies, professional nanny, and a preacher, and has founded Swa Sheila Events and Management and the Xalamuka Youth Club.
Sheila said that they had actually completed Vusiwana I Baji in August last year, but because of financial challenges, it could only be printed in December.
"It was a wonderful experience working together again," she said of her and Hlayisani's collaboration.