Although 19-year-old Akho Ntshokolo from Mkhandlweni locality in Bizana is currently a first-year student at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in Mthatha, she has vowed that her love for poetry will never fade.
She confirmed that she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Internal Auditing at WSU. Ntshokolo shared that she began writing poetry almost unintentionally.
Ntshokolo credits her former high school teacher, Yamkela Ntwalana from Holy Cross Senior Secondary School, with helping her take her poetry more seriously.
“Ntwalana has supported me since day one and helped me grow as a poet. I always told myself that if I got to university and there was no poetry club, I would start one. Fortunately, I met someone who was also in the process of creating a poetry group. Together, we founded Impongo Zemibongo at WSU, and many poets joined us,” said Ntshokolo.
The group hosted its first Open Mic poetry event on August 14, which was a great success.
“The event was meant to showcase our voices as poets and let others know we are here, even at universities like WSU. After the show, many aspiring poets approached us, wanting to join the WSU poetry family.”
Ntshokolo expressed gratitude for everyone supporting her poetry journey. She said she is thankful to God and her family for their love and support. Poetry means the world to her; it has made her who she is.
“I’m hopeful for even greater things in the future.”
