Poets from Mthatha and surrounding areas will participate in the Izwi Leembongi Art & Cultural Festival taking place at OR Tambo Hall, in Mthatha on March 25, 2023.
According to the founder for Izwi Leembongi Foundation, Mandilakhe Thwazi, this festival will run from 10:00 until 17:00.
“Our intention is to bring back the dignity of the poets, and to show their talent. Also, we want to work with other artistes from South Africa, not the poets only,” said Thwazi.
He added that they also want to work with traditional leaders and kings.
According to Thwazi they want to make sure that each traditional leader and king has their own poet, from their area.
Thwazi indicated that it is now the third year the foundation is hosting this festival.
“There is also a competition that we are doing in this festival. The poets are asked to send a two-minute video of their performance via WhatsApp to 083 748 4654. The closing date is on February 25, 2023. Then those who are nominated will compete on the day of the festival.”
According to him, auditions for participants will be held virtually. Thwazi said the first winner would go home with R5 000 accompanied by a trophy and certificate of appreciation; the second place finisher would be awarded R4 000; the third would go home with R3 000; the fourth winner would get R2 000 and the fifth would receive R1 000 – all of the winners would also receive certificates of appreciation.
He added that most of the poets are not working and the funding they receive is not enough. So those poets who attend this event will receive some money so that when they go home, they have something in their pockets.
“We used to allow people to enter free but this year, those who are willing to attend will buy tickets costing R50 each. These tickets are available from me. Those who want more information can contact me on 083 748 4654.”
