Rising poet Majiyane amplifies silent stories

Sipepisiwe Moyo, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

FROM the quiet hills of Matobo to the bustling streets of Bulawayo, Brenda Vundla — known in artistic circles as Majiyane — is emerging as a powerful voice of resilience, reflection and strength. Her poetry goes beyond rhyme; it confronts identity crises, rural-urban tensions, and the silent battles faced by today’s youth.

Majiyane, who hails from Sihayi Village in Matobo, writes in both Ndebele and English, weaving stories inspired by culture, nature and human struggle. Her notable works include Rage, an emotional reflection on the fear and grief brought by the Covid-19 pandemic; Koze Kulunge, a tribute to students’ perseverance through hardship; and Ashes Beneath the Skin, a raw portrayal of addiction and the fight to rise from emotional despair.

“I write about identity, belonging, and the tension between where we come from and where we’re going. My work touches on social issues, rural life, resilience and the inner battles young people endure in silence,” Majiyane shared.

Her earliest inspirations were the wisdom-filled voices of her grandmother, Ekenia Dube and her primary school teacher, Mr P Machaya.

“Their words were full of wisdom, woven into proverbs, their voices steady like the Matobo Hills where I grew up,” she said.
Nature and people also shape her poetry.

“I draw inspiration from the sound of rain on tin roofs and the rhythm of cattle and donkey bells at dawn. I’m moved by people who carry their stories in silence, waiting to be heard. My poetry explores themes shaped by my life journey.”

Today, Majiyane’s poems move between deep reflection and bold protest, confronting injustice and speaking truth to power.
Now based in Bulawayo, she works in the counselling department at Word of Life International Ministries, where listening and supporting others influences her poetry with themes of spiritual reflection, emotional intelligence and human connection.

“My faith in God is central to who I am and shapes how I write, speak and connect with people,” she said.
Majiyane also works as a supervisor at Trendy Three Investments, a role that has honed her discipline, responsibility and leadership skills.

Despite her confidence on paper and stage, her journey has been marked by self-doubt and limited exposure.
“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is questioning whether my voice is worth hearing or if my words are good enough. Another challenge has been the lack of exposure and access to platforms for my work. I’m now building a blog and gradually sharing snippets of my poetry on WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram,” she said.

Live performances, however, have been affirming. She has performed at high schools and colleges, saying nothing gives her greater satisfaction than engaging with a live audience.

“Performing live is where I truly come alive. Though I was nervous at first, I gained confidence when I realised my voice could move people. My performances at Eveline Girls High School and Hillside Teachers’ College showed me my potential. I enjoy the rawness of live audiences; their unfiltered reactions keep me grounded and honest,” she said.

Looking ahead, Majiyane dreams of performing more regularly, especially at schools and youth-focused events. She is eager to collaborate with musicians, visual artists, and filmmakers to bring poetry to life in new ways.

“If I had access to funding or a grant, I would launch a Schools Poetry Mentorship Programme connecting urban poets with students in rural schools to inspire, train, and empower the next generation of storytellers. I believe poetry can be activism, healing and resistance all at once.”

Her ambitions stretch beyond Zimbabwe.
“I hope my work reaches young people, especially women silently carrying burdens. I want my voice to say:
‘You are not alone.’ Through my words, I aim to challenge, comfort, educate and leave something unforgettable in the hearts of those who listen.”

Her message to emerging artists: “Write boldly even when your body shakes. Don’t wait for perfection; growth begins with courage. Be authentic. Be unapologetic.”