Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu, Showbiz Reporter
THE world is observing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (GBV) which started last Thursday. In the spirit of fighting this pandemic that has gone for years without stern measures being put in place, a Plumtree-based poetess is on a course to raise awareness against GBV.
Sithembile Siqhoza whose stage names are Zingizwanizinja and Asesabilutho, is set to release a poetic CD that has a poem titled Khuzan’imkhenkethe. She wants to stake a claim in amplifying the voices shouting against GBV this month leading to December.
With over 30 years of experience in the arts industry, the 2019 National Arts Merit Awards winner wants to voice her concerns pertaining to rape that women are subjected to.
“My latest offering Khuzan’imkhenkethe is a stern rebuke against predatory behaviour that some men exhibit. Sexual crimes have been on the rise lately and little seems to be done to punish perpetrators. Many times, rape on women has been blamed on them with some men citing raunchy dressing while in actual fact, men with loose morals target these women,” said the poet who is also a traditional dancer.
The poem recited in isiNdebele emphasises the need for unity against perpetrators of monstrosities on women.
Zingizwanizinja said women are sexually abused daily and the cycle continues without punitive action being taken.
The poetess is not only an advocate against abuse on women but she also has radio experience. Since 2017, she has been reciting poems at Skyz Metro FM on a programme called Amadramatics. She has been providing a similar service to Khulumani FM on a programme called Imvuselelo Yolimi Lamasiko EsiNdebele.
She is also a talented writer. Her book titled Ibhodo lezinkondlo, first published by UMhlabamkhulu and secondly by College Press, is the 2022 to 2024 A-level Ndebele literature set book for Zimbabwe Examinations Council.
In 2018, she worked in collaboration with Onesimo Mpofu, Pugen Ncube, and Prince Mazilankatha on a Ndebele poetry book titled Ukugadla Kwembongi.
To vary the media of her literal endeavour in poetry, she recorded two albums in 2019 titled SinguMthwakazi and Lingithole Sengaguga, both poetry set in music.
She is now working on a poetry book titled Umkhulungwane.
For her efforts, she recently received the Outstanding Female Artist in the Matabeleland Cultural Awards for her contribution to the preservation and promotion of culture and excellence. – @eMKlass_49.
Online Reporter