Online Reporter
Sipepisiwe Moyo, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IN the hills of Matobo District in Matabeleland South Province, young Brenda Vundla roamed the bush, hearing cattle bells, rain on tin roofs and the wisdom of her elders.
These early experiences shaped her into Majiyane, who has become one of the region’s most compelling contemporary poets.
Brenda’s poetry is deeply rooted in her upbringing in Sihayi Village. Now based in Bulawayo, she connects rural and urban life, blending personal stories with wider social and cultural themes.
“Growing up, I was surrounded by stories and wisdom from my elders, especially my grandmother, Ekenia Dube and my primary school teacher, Mr P Machaya at St Joseph’s Mission Primary School. They were full of wisdom, speaking in proverbs, their voices as steady as the Matobo Hills,” she recalls.
From a young age, Brenda was captivated by language. Proverbs, songs and riddles filled her nights, while the sounds of rural life became part of her world. These experiences laid the foundation for her poetry, shaping its rhythm, imagery and emotional depth.
Writing in English and Ndebele, Brenda explores themes of identity, belonging, resilience and social issues, blending personal narrative with broader societal reflections. Her notable works include Rage, a meditation on the emotional and physical toll of Covid-19, exploring fear, loss and healing, Koze Kulunge, which chronicles the struggles and sacrifices of students navigating their academic journeys and Ashes Beneath The Skin, which delves into addiction, emotional battles and the courage to rise from despair.
“I write about life as it is, the tension between where we come from and where we are going and the inner battles young people face. My inspiration comes from people who carry their stories silently, waiting for someone to listen,” she said.
In Bulawayo, the City of Kings and Queens, Brenda has drawn inspiration from literary giants such as Albert Nyathi and Sithokozile Sibanda. Yet she remains a lifelong student of life.
“The city has given me a new perspective. It has opened my eyes to stories and struggles that are different from those in rural life and I weave that into my poetry.”
Her work is also informed by her role in the counselling department at Word of Life International Ministries, where she listens to and supports others.
“Working in counselling influences my poetry a lot. It helps me explore emotional intelligence, human connection and spiritual reflection. My faith is central to who I am and it colours how I write, speak and connect with people.”
Her journey has not been without hurdles. Speaking candidly about self-doubt and limited exposure, she said: “I often questioned whether my voice was worth hearing. Access to platforms was limited, making it hard for people to hear my work.
“But I’ve started sharing snippets on WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram and I plan to launch a blog or website.”
Despite these challenges, live performance remains her most rewarding outlet. Brenda has performed at high schools and colleges, discovering the power of connecting with audiences in real time.
“Performing live is where I truly come alive. Their raw, unfiltered reactions keep me honest. It’s a reminder that poetry is about touching hearts, not just words on a page,” she said.
Outside of poetry, Brenda works as a supervisor at Trendy Three Investments (TTI), a role that has instilled discipline, responsibility and leadership. She balances her professional life with her artistic pursuits, drawing inspiration from everyday interactions and stories she encounters.
Looking ahead, she dreams of performing more regularly and collaborating with musicians, visual artists and filmmakers to bring poetry to life in innovative ways. She also hopes to launch a Schools Poetry Mentorship
Programme, connecting urban-based poets with students in rural areas.
“Poetry can be activism, healing and resistance all at once. I want my work to reach young people, especially women carrying burdens in silence. I want my voice to tell them, ‘You are not alone,’” she said.
For emerging artistes, Brenda had this to say: “Write boldly and truthfully, even when your body shakes. Don’t wait to be perfect. Growth starts with courage, be the original you.”
