The 29th Poetry Africa festival, presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Hosted by MC Quaz Roodt, the Slam Jam Finale brought five finalists: Belita Andre, Karabo Bopape, Tiisetso Maeane, Tshepo Molefe and Zewande BK Bhengu, before judges Olive Olusegun(SA), Nick Makoha (Uganda/UK) and Luleka Mhlanzi (South Africa). After eliminations, Bhengu took the title, with Tiisetso Maeane second and Belita Andre third.

Bhengu indicated that he had last performed in 2018 seven years ago and that his return to poetry and the stage were an indication that “writer’s block is only a moment and not forever.” His poems are evocative and express deep-felt sentiments on identity, the price of poverty and the status of mothers. When asked how he felt after winning, Zewande said, “It felt validating, humbling and a little bit awkward. I have been away from the Slam Poetry space for the better part of the past decade and the decision to participate again was not made lightly. I had doubts about competing against younger poets who had been sharpening their tools in my absence, doubts about my own abilities, whether I still have it or not and doubts about winning. Of course, I also carried the Bazothini-Abantu (What will people say?) syndrome. Being warmly welcomed back in the space and crowned champion in the most prestigious poetry slam in the land felt all the way validating and I don't take it lightly.”

He expressed his feelings about the competition saying, “Slamming or slam poetry has always had a special place in my heart. Through it, I was able to grow as both a writer and performer. I think it holds significant ground in the poetry space, having churned out some of the most breathtaking poetry and poets in almost three decades. The Poetry Africa Slam Jam was evidence of this, pooling in amazing writers from all over South Africa. Every step of the way seems to care about advancing the best of the best and I love it.”

His advice to aspiring poets is to “set a goal and ensure that every decision onwards is in service of that goal.” He is walking away with a R20 000 cash prize, an international poetry trip and he will be representing South Africa on home soil when the World Championship is hosted by Poetry Africa in 2026.

Throughout the festival, more than 100 poets, writers and facilitators appeared across in-person and online sessions. Alongside sold-out shows, the programme invested in industry know-how: a DALRO workshop led by Katlego Gabashanedelivered practical guidance on copyright and creative rights; and the Poetry Comedy Storytelling Council (PoeComSto) launched its KwaZulu-Natal programme, outlining a Data Mapping Project and new platforms to boost collaboration and the creative economy. 

Other highlights included the SAIDE Scholar Session, supported by the Kresge Foundation, saw Siyaphumelela Scholars perform original I Am poems. This partnership between SAIDE and Poetry Africa continues to empower young voices and inspire transformation through storytelling. Rising talent Naledi Mafolewon the Poetry Africa Chalkboard Slam. Audiences were also treated to theatrical performance Two Sides of the Same Coin by the UJ Arts Academy, directed by Xolani Mbhele. The production was met with admiration and applause, highlighting the remarkable talent and dedication of the students involved. 

At the closing event Ismail Mahomed, director of the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) expressed his gratitude to the many funders who made this year’s festival possible. The University of KwaZulu Natal, the Centre for Creative Arts, KwaZulu Natal Department of Sports, Arts and Culture remain steadfast in their commitment to the arts and to the wide range of festivals presented by the centre. Support from the National Lotteries Commission and the University of Johannesburg Arts and Culture Centre was much appreciated. Thank you to the French Institute of South Africa, Creative Spill,  Ivory Coast Embassy, the Embassy of Ukraine and Ukrainian Institute that supported poets from other countries to participate in the festival adding to the global reach of the programme.

The 30th edition in 2026 will host of the 2026 World Poetry Slam Championships and word lovers are advised to make a note of the dates, 5 to 10 October 2026, when Durban once again demonstrates why it is a UNESCO City of Literature.