Innocent Mundalamo from Roadhuis, near Malamulele, released his first poetry collection, Ta Rivala, at the end of August. The book explores love, loss and hope, drawing on his own life and the experiences of those around him.
Published by The Pathfinder Publication Company, the collection offers readers a mirror to reflect on their own life journeys, finding solace in the transformative power of forgiveness and emerging stronger in the face of life's challenges. The loss of his sister provided him with additional motivation to write.
"I got inspired by daily life and the people around me. I wanted to write something that others can relate to. Whether you're old or young, it will resonate with you. Some of the poems are dedicated to her. Writing allowed me to express not only my feelings but also what others go through," he explained.
He said he had written the poems to connect with readers. "Poetry makes one feel better. It lets you express emotions and reach different audiences," he said.
Ta Rivala took several months to complete. Mundalamo said he faced setbacks, including being scammed, but publishing the book was a way to bounce back. "This is my way of connecting with different readers who are experiencing life challenges," he said.
Mundalamo is also the founder of the Ahipfunaneni SA Campaign, established in June 2021. "The campaign supports local communities, inspires entrepreneurship, creates jobs, and gives opportunities for youths in education and fun activities," he said.