NGQELENI-BORN up-and-coming poet, Mihlali Makabeni, and Zuko Selani, a photographer from Mqanduli, have earned themselves nominations in the best poet and best photographer categories, respectively, at this year’s annual Live Your Dream (LYD) Awards, to be held towards the end of the year.
Makabeni, who started displaying her isiXhosa poetry writing and recitation talent as far back as 2013 while in Grade 9, said she was thrilled to be nominated.
“I feel like the nomination is an award itself for me and the honour of simply being nominated among the finalists in my category really gives me confidence and makes me believe that people have taken notice of my talent,” said Makabeni, from Mfabantu location in Ngqeleni.
She appealed to the public to rally behind her and cast their votes in their numbers to secure her the best poet award.
Meanwhile, Selani, from Upper Ngqwarha in Mqanduli, said being a finalist in the best photographer category would open doors for him, as he only recently ventured into photography as a career.
“When I decided to pursue photography as a career, there were many doubts in my mind on whether my new venture would succeed.
“Being nominated for the best photographer accolade has really motivated me to work even harder and make this new venture a success,” he said.
The public can cast their votes for Makabeni in the best poet category by texting LYD 502 to 45633 or for Selani in the best photographer category by texting LYD 490 and sending to the same number at R1.50 per SMS.
One can vote as many times as one wishes and voting lines will remain open until November 19.
