Poets asked to uplift the nation

In an effort to shed light on SA’s current darkness and see beyond load-shedding, high unemployment figures and rising fuel prices, Avbob launched the What if, South Africa? poetry competition this month.

Calling aspiring wordsmiths from all over the country, Avbob hopes to shift he nation’s mindset through cleverly crafted messages of hope and renewal ahead of their annual poetry campaign.

“We have always appreciated the power of the arts to uplift people.

“The arts transport us away from the difficult demands of our daily lives.

“It thus made perfect sense to us, in keeping with our brand promise, to sponsor the emotional and spiritual upliftment of our people,” said Avbob chief executive Frik Rademan.

The company has sponsored an annual poetry competition since 2017, which runs from Au- gust to November each year. Since the launch of the Avbob poetry project, 11,000 creatives have registered online and more than 50,000 poems entered.

Like Avbob’s previous instalments, the What if, South Africa? competition will see one winning poet receive great prizes and exposure.

Cash prizes, including R10,000 for the top poem and the chance to have your words produced into an uplifting video and radio piece is what is up for grabs.

The top three poems will also be promoted through Avbob’s public relations channels, which include social media.

So far, more than 400 entries have been received.

While judges have allowed for originality and freedom of expression, the poems must offer an optimistic message that inspires and unites the nation.

Poems must be 100 words or shorter and must be written in English.

Entries close at midnight on March 31. To enter, visit the company’s website.