Twin poets shine

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There is a saying that goes: “The future rewards those who press on. You don’t have time to feel sorry for yourself. You don’t have time to complain. You have to press on”.
In light of that, the story of Bonlam and Bonlat Machiha (24), twins from Bulawayo, who have been making noticeable achievements in foreign lands through their poetry and writing makes interesting reading.

They have published 15 poetry books now.

Some of their book titles are What About Us, Singing to the Lions, Beyond Yonder and Changing Skies Changing Lives.

“We are passionate about children, women emancipation, daily struggles and the possible future. We also believe the contribution of children in society is essential to human development so our books mainly revolve around children’s rights. For the world to be a better place we need to listen to children’s grievances,” said Bonlam.

The poetry books which centre on children’s rights have seen them being recognised internationally.

Through their amazing work they have been to Scotland where they made sterling performances at the University of Edinburgh.

Some of the people they met were Professor Lephafa, a professional dancer and performer based in South Africa, Denise Johnson, a musician and Daljit Nagra, a poet.

As if that is not enough the brilliant twins, revealed that after their visit they had the privilege to co-author a book with a group of Irish poets.

Like most successful people’s stories, Bonlam and Bonlat faced challenges to reach their goals.

“When our father passed on in 2008, things took a drastic turn. We found it very hard to go to school. Several times we were chased out of school because we could not pay fees. We thank God for our breakthrough which was a scholarship we were offered by Capernaum. We then managed to advance our education,” said Bonlam.

The twins have achieved a lot.

Bonlat was once the Child Governor for Children’s Parliament and Bonlam was the Child Minister of Home Affairs and Junior MP for Pumula-Luveve Constituency.

Bonlam attributed their success to working together and being groomed by Albert Nyathi.

“Since we were young we have always worked together. We practise poetry together for hours and we write together.  We do same gestures, utterances and words.”

He added: “Albert Nyathi also played a great role in grooming us in poetry. Had it not been for him we wouldn’t be where we are now,” said Bonlam.

Through their outstanding work they were appointed Children’s Rights Junior Facilitators for Africa Community Publishing Development Trust.