Poet in hot water over praise song

A GRAHAMSTOWN poet claims he has been banned for life from provincial arts and culture events after his political piece caused an uproar during Word Fest at the National Arts Festival.

The poet, known as Bhodl’ingqaka – real name Akhona Mafani, 20 – said his political poem had become the centre of attention after MEC Pemmy Majodina said she had found the piece distasteful.

Bhodl’ingqaka was one of the poets selected by the Department of Arts and Culture to take part at this year’s festival.

He recited a poem about the SS Mendi on the opening night of the festival, a piece that impressed the MEC.

However, that was short-lived after he performed again at Word Fest, leaving Majodina displeased.

“The poem presents our people’s grievances and our daily struggles as artists,” he said.

“I believe as a poet I must be honest in my work, whether it offends or not, but my intention was not to offend.”

Mafani said he was told the MEC did not ever want to see him at her events.

“My thoughts were looked down upon and I felt small. “I was stripped of my political licence. “Some poets even said I was out of control, yet I was not there to fight. This wasn’t the first time [I had done] this poem.”

Arts and Culture spokesman Andile Nduna confirmed that one of the praise singers had uttered “strong, offensive and personal language” directed at President Jacob Zuma in particular.

However, Nduna said, the poet was not banned, but was reprimanded for using offensive language.

“This language and words [like] ‘Zuma uya Zuma’, caused an uproar.

“The department [also upholds] ubuntu, which embraces respect of the elders in all manner and form.”

He said the department would always encourage freedom of speech and expression, but “such freedom ought not offend and be in bad taste”.