Thandeka Vabaza, founder of Soul Clap Sessions from Mthatha, confirmed that, in partnership with King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality Tourism, they are celebrating 30 years of artistic excellence with the presentation of the High School Poetry Challenge 2025.
Vabaza stated that they are marking 30 years of Resistance Culture, Preservation and Artistic Excellence at the Umtata Art Centre. He explained that the High School Poetry Challenge is part of the centre’s programming for this milestone celebration.
“We also recently opened the Art Centre Gallery, where people can visit to view our exhibits. Additionally, we hosted a Gala Dinner, inviting various stakeholders, including Mayor Councillor Nyaniso Nelani from King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. During the dinner, we discussed the challenges we are facing, including the need for our lease agreement to be renewed, as we currently do not know where we stand,” said Vabaza.
He added that the lease agreement issue was one of the key points raised with Nelani, even during the visit of members of the Legislature. “This lease agreement is a significant concern for us because we are uncertain about our future and what will happen next. As we celebrate 30 years of artistic excellence, we are hopeful that we will continue to thrive and even reach 100 years.”
Regarding the High School Poetry Challenge, Vabaza noted that learners from the O.R. Tambo District Municipality recently shared their poems during the 6th Annual High School Poetry Challenge, which was held at the centre.
He confirmed that they also have a drama, titled Rivonia Trial, which has already been performed at different schools around O.R. Tambo. He said they are appealing to schools to invite them to showcase this drama.
A Grade 11 learner from Saku Gengqe in Mqanduli, Lihle Nqasha, won first place along with a R1000 cash prize after finishing as runner-up in 2024. Nqasha shared how the competition helped him find his voice and confidence. “The competition motivated me and helped me realise that when someone is talented, they should share it with others. I am very proud of this competition, and I believe it can open doors for many people. I now feel the spirit of being a poet,” said Nqasha.
Another winner, Hlumisa Gontshi (16), from Zimele Senior Secondary School in Mthatha, took second place. She expressed how the poetry challenge provided a safe space for her to express herself.
“This Challenge has helped me overcome many challenges during my poetic journey because I always knew I had a home and a platform to showcase my feelings. This Challenge continues to be a source of my confidence and potential. Through this platform, I have met many people who share my passion, and for that, I will forever be grateful,” she said.
Baxolele Somkoko (17), from Gobizizwe Agricultural High School in Mthatha, shared how the competition helped her connect with other poets who inspire her growth.
“This is my first time entering this competition, and I am very happy to be part of it. It has also helped me network with other learners and poets, offering me the opportunity to collaborate with well-known poets,” she said.
