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Mangaliso Kabulika
AWARD-WINNING poet, Gladman Madawaenda, has tackled sexual abuse, and its traumatic effects on children, in his latest piece dubbed ‘Tsamba Kuna Sekuru’.
The poem seeks to bring to light the plight of children who are left under the care of relatives when their parents die and are sexually abused.
Gladman said he wrote the poem in three days.
His previous piece called ‘Amai,’ which focused on grief, did not explore the sexual abuse subject in its entirety.
“I realised that my previous work only scratched the surface of the pain endured by children who suffer sexual abuse in their own homes.
“It is a deeply disturbing issue that demands our attention and action. Through this poem, I hope to give a voice to the voiceless and spark conversations that can lead to change.
“The poem delves into emotional turmoil, fear, and long-lasting trauma endured by the survivors, while also emphasising the need for societal support and intervention,” said Gladman.
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge