At the tender age of 14, this talented and determined poet already has eight poems published and has mastered the art of juggling school and assignments, writing poetry and organising events to raise funds for charity on a regular basis.
Emihle Nginza, a Grade 9 learner at Andrew Rabie High School, also has her own poetry club, The Magic of Poetry, where other young poets are given the opportunity to let their creativity flow by writing poems. Members of the club are also encouraged to showcase their work through open mic events.
Emihle said that she started writing poetry when she was still in primary school.
“It all became quite official last year, when I first joined a poetry group suggested to me by a friend.
“I always wrote small pieces but thought that they weren’t good enough. However, seeing my friend’s success made me realise that I could do it too,” she explained.
“He inspired me. I read his poems and they were really beautiful. A very close friend of mine encouraged me to also get my work out there and that’s when I sent my poems to FunDza.mobi [a mobile reading application]. I currently have eight poems published with them,” she said.
“I’m a young black girl trying to make a name for myself and showcase my talents.
“My poems are heartfelt as I write from the heart and I use poetry as a means of expressing my own feelings.”
Emihle added that her poetry club strives to do something for charity whenever possible.
“Once a person writes their poetry, it is posted on our Facebook page and it may be sent for possible publishing.
“As members, we also try our best to help other people by donating to old age homes and orphanages.
“We have to do fund-raisers to be able to donate and host open mic events,” she said.
When asked what advice she could share with other young aspiring poets, Emihle answered to never give up but always try again, if you failed once.
“Your work, your talent, is worth being noticed.
“Take a piece of paper and write down your feelings. Sometimes while writing, try to add some suspense, play around with your words and never be afraid of trying and trying and to ask for help whenever you need it,” she explained.
“You can always ask your English teacher to help you out if you’re struggling.
“Poetry is a beautiful thing, so remember that life is all about standing up again after you have fallen because no one will pick you up,” Emihle said.
