POETS
NATIONAL POET LAUREATES
What is a Poet Laureate?
A Poet Laureate is a Poet who has been officially appointed by a government, Who is expected to create poetry for specific Important occasions and events for their country.
Who are previous Poet Laureates ?
South Africa has had both the late Masizi Kunene and Keorapetse Kgositsile as its Poet Laureates.
Mazisi Kunene
Born 12 May 1930, Mazisi Kunene grew up as an avid follower of Literature, even going as far as writing his own poems and short stories in isiZulu. Following his passion, he later undertook a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Natal, focusing on Zulu and history. Later in life, after becoming a master of
Keorapetse Kgositsile
Keorapetse William Kgositsile was born on 19 September 1938. He was well known by his pen name Bra Willie, and was a South African Tswana poet and political activist. In 2006 he was inaugurated as South Africa’s National Poet Laureate . Kgositsile lived in exile in the United States from 1962 until 1975. He studied
Mongane Wally Serote
Author, Poet, struggle stalwart and healer Mongane Wally Serote was announced as South Africa’s Poet Laureate at a South African Literary Awards ceremony in Pretoria. Mongane Wally Serote has been announced as the new South African Poet Laureate taking over a role that was previously filled by the late Keorapetse Kgositsile. The announcement was made at the
FEATURED POETS
Afzal Moolla
Afzal was born in New Delhi, India on the 22nd of September 1972. His father, Mosie Moolla was the Chief-Representative of the ANC in India, Egypt, and served as ANC Secretary at the World Peace Council in Helsinki, before returning home in 1990, following the unbanning of the ANC and other political parties, and the release