Thanyelani Tshipota of Tshandama resorted to writing poetry in an effort to discover her true identity, not only as a person but also in a cultural context.
According to Tshipota, she was mocked and bullied at school because of her culture and language. As a young girl she had to move to a new school, and suddenly found that she had entered a hostile environment. "I couldn't speak Xitsonga clearly. Those people thought that they were superior to me and undermined my own culture," she said.
In order for her to cope with so many new changes around her and her initially being treated like an outcast, she sought and found consolation in poetry. Things did ultimately get better for her, and her peers started to tolerate and respect her cultural background. But, for a long time afterwards, her poetry was fuelled by the hate she felt inside.
"These were the factors that influenced me, but it also made me realise that I had to change my own perspective and help establish thoughts of unity and peace among the different cultures," said.
When she opted to pursue a career in poetry instead of furthering her studies, her family members were against it, criticising her choice, while hoping that she would come around and go to university instead, but the young woman persisted with her journey. "They never understood what I was doing, but today they are very supportive, and they know that poetry is just a part of me," she said.
Over time, Tshipota's talent began to mature, and she started to perform at social events. "My poems are written in Tshivenda, Xitsonga and English. This also helps me as a poet to explore the diversity of this country. I see myself as someone who has a duty to serve my society through spoken poetry," she told Limpopo Mirror.
"Don't wait for people to validate or approve things for you. I think that, as youths, we are failing and falling because we want people to do everything for us. We just have to stay connected to our own dreams and goals; that's what matters. Funds or no funds, the goal is to keep your head above water. One day, nature will find a way to nurture that goal."
Tshipota can be contacted at 071 520 7931 or followed on Facebook (Tshipota Patience).