Nkosilathi Sibanda [email protected]
A NEW isiNdebele poetry anthology, “Qoki Emzini Wezibongi” has brought together established poets and emerging voices in a bid to promote the language and showcase diverse perspectives on society.
The anthology was compiled by Mthabisi Maphosa and Iphithule Ndhlovu. It is expected to be officially launched on 14 November 2026.
The project has 13 poets who contributed their work, comprising five established writers with years of experience in isiNdebele poetry and eight emerging poets, some of whom are making their debut in publication.
Maphosa said the selection criteria of poets was guided by their contributions to the development and promotion of the isiNdebele language.
“We did not want to include only well-known poets. We also wanted to give emerging voices an opportunity,” he said.
He said the collection differed from many poetry anthologies that focus on a single theme, as it explored a wide range of subjects drawn from everyday life and society.
“This is not a collection of poems by one poet. It is a home where many voices live under one roof.
While some poetry anthologies focus on a single theme, ours is different and encourages readers to think broadly.
“Qoki Emzini Wezibongi explores grief and family issues, political satire, moral lessons, social justice and violence against women.”
He said the poems were written in rich, standard isiNdebele, incorporating idioms and new vocabulary to highlight the depth and expressive power of the language.
Maphosa noted that while some isiNdebele books had increasingly incorporated the English language, possibly to appeal to a wider readership, their anthology sought to preserve the integrity of the language, in its pure form.
“Many recent books written in isiNdebele make extensive use of English, perhaps in an effort to attract more readers. With our collection, we hope readers will remain immersed in isiNdebele which is undiluted,” he said.
Among the established contributors are Mthokozisi Sidubuli Sibanda, Perfect Moyo, Winiwe Nkomo and Zwelithini Dlamini. The two compilers, Maphosa and Ndhlovu, are also featured in the collection.
The emerging poets are Franklin Ndlovu, Julen Nkomo, Lindelwe Ngwenya, Makhosana Sibanda, Mphokuhle Hove, Nomvelo Mathe, Crestabel Mahoko and Mphokuhle Dube.
Maphosa said the emerging writers include teachers Franklin Ndlovu, who teaches at Dinyane Secondary School in Tsholotsho, and Makhosana Sibanda of Masotsha High School in Bulawayo.
He said bringing together experienced poets and newcomers would allow the younger writers to learn from established voices while contributing to the continued growth of isiNdebele literature.
“We have brought together five poets who have been carrying the torch of Ndebele poetry for many years and eight fresh voices who are publishing their work for the first time,” he said.
