The Afro Poetry Times November 2023 issue is the perfect tonic for that ultimate #Springboks celebration

The November 2023 edition of Afro Poetry Times is a must-have for poetry enthusiasts looking to ignite their festive spirit. 

This captivating issue showcases the incredible journey of South African poets who have seized an opportunity and are now bound for Ireland. 

Additionally, the magazine presents a curated selection of three books that promise to enrich the holiday season with their compelling narratives. 

An exciting competition offers the chance to win £1000 for a single poem, encouraging aspiring poets to unleash their creativity. 

Readers will be enthralled by a breathtaking short story that delves into the complexities of love and friendship.

With unpublished poems and much more, this digital copy is a literary gem waiting to be discovered. 

Follow the link to immerse yourself in this enchanting edition of Afro Poetry Times.

https://www.pressreader.com/canada/afro-poetry-times/20231101

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South African poet Koleka Putuma bounces back after 7 years

South African poet Koleka Putuma is set to release her second poetry collection titled "We Have Everything We Need to Start Again" in summer 2024. 

The collection will be published by Hot Key Books and will feature illustrations by Adriana Bellet. 

The book will address a wide range of themes and experiences, including mental health, sexuality, gender, climate change, and identity. 

Putuma hopes that the collection will serve as a companion for readers as they navigate transitions and discoveries. 

The book is set to release in June 2024 in the US and UK, with an earlier release in South Africa.

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Renowned Poet Dr Lawrence Hoo Leads Movement for Global Equality, Puts Africa at the Forefront

Acclaimed poet and activist, Dr Lawrence Hoo, is set to deliver a powerful poem that calls for fairness, respect, and recognition of Africa's contributions to global knowledge and research. 

The poem, titled A Journey Of Discovery, will be read at an event on October 31st, aimed at raising awareness and garnering support for a mission dedicated to anti-racism, decolonisation, and restoring Africa's rightful place in research.

Dr Hoo, who has been recognised for his groundbreaking work in educating school children about African history, accepted the commission because it aligns with his passionate beliefs. The poem emphasises Africa's role as the cradle of civilisation and highlights the disparities caused by the exploitation and undervaluation of its contributions by countries in the Global North.

The poem introduces The Africa Charter, a movement aimed at redressing power imbalances and reversing the prejudices caused by the creation of race. Dr Hoo sees this as a great opportunity for change and collaboration, stating that it is crucial for everyone to be on board in order to create a fairer and better society.

The event, hosted at the M Shed, brings together researchers from the University of Bristol, specialists in decolonisation, Africa, anti-racism, and inclusivity in research, along with representatives from local communities and the higher education sector. The aim is to establish Bristol as a model and advocate for the principles and objectives of The Charter. By giving Africa a more prominent role in global transdisciplinary research, pressing issues such as climate change, pandemics, and poverty can be addressed more effectively.

The African Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations was launched in July and has garnered support from over 100 institutions globally. It seeks to rebalance and enrich the science and research ecosystem by overturning historic disparities. The Perivoli Africa Research Centre (PARC) at the University of Bristol, in partnership with the University of Cape Town and the University of South Africa, has facilitated the creation of this ambitious charter.

The event will provide an opportunity for discussions on Bristol's perspectives regarding The Charter and its implications. By endorsing The Charter, institutions globally are committing to creating a level playing field that promotes equal opportunity and international scholarship.

Dr Lawrence Hoo's poem serves as a rallying call for change, urging individuals and institutions to recognise and rectify the injustices perpetuated by systemic discrimination. Through the transformative power of research collaborations, Africa can reclaim its rightful place as a knowledge powerhouse and contribute to addressing the world's most pressing challenges.

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An ode to the Springboks - Poem goes viral! Read the full transcript

Steve Hall, a passionate Springbok supporter and renowned motivational speaker, has once again showcased his talent with a remarkable tribute to the Springboks titled "To Find a Way." This heartfelt ode comes in the wake of the Bokke's awe-inspiring achievement of winning three consecutive games by a single point, ultimately securing their victory in the Rugby World Cup.

FIND A WAY – Full Transcript –
By STEVE HALL

Four years ago, things were not quite the same
As we earned a great victory and reached Rugby world’s fame
There was no Covid pandemic and no ChatGPT
We had to think for ourselves and walk the streets free.
It seems like the blink of an eye – and those four years have passed
Though tough times still linger while the good times fly fast
But life’s for the living and we should cherish what’s pleasant
And it’s moments like this where we live in the present.
For this team, these Springboks, OUR Green and Gold
Have shown such courage, to stand up and be bold
They’ve stood proud in the media and on the field of play
When all has looked lost, they’ve still found a way!
In the last few weeks all our nerves have been shattered
But THRICE in a row, they’ve found the one point which mattered
When the waters around us have looked a dark shade of brown
There’ve been moments of magic, like Cheslin’s charge down!
And all through this Cup, our boys have stood tall
We’ve asked them for miracles and they’ve answered our call
We could not ask for more from this brave Rugby team
Who have flown our flag high and kept our rainbow dream.
The Rugby world’s moaned at our Seven – One split
And we’ve been bombarded by drivel from that TikTok Brit twit
The Six Nations verstaan nie, want hulle het nie gesweet nie
En Drikus, dis waar, “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie”!!
No quarter was asked and no quarter was given
And from the first kick off we looked determined and driven
A sad blow for Bongi who left the field in great pain
And fourteen tackles from Pieter-Stef*, and a red card for Cane.
Would we see some touches of a strange Déjà vu?
That this time last time, the same score would be true!
With real dogged defence and four Pollard kicks
And again, the half time scoreboard read Twelve points to Six!
It’s all been too much – A Nations nerves have been blown
But the Cup’s coming home! We’ve made it our own!
Not even Cheslin could bear to watch or to look
But back to Bok victories are now in our history book!
If only our politicians could find such a way
To bring us out of the night and into the light of the day
In another of our languages, we could say they’re off ‘sides’
As they make their own people pay for all of their greedy free rides.
But South Africans dig deep, it is just who we are
Just throw us more curve balls, and we’ll still bat them far
We’ve learned to dance in the rain and make solutions from trouble
Now let’s watch our Proteas bring home the double !!
You Bokke left it all out there, you emptied your tanks
And we owe you so much, Sixty Two million Thanks
You men of the Springbok have given us a time to believe
And next World Cup’s jersey will need a much longer sleeve!
You’ve done it for us, for South Africa’s sakes
For three weeks in a row, One point’s all it takes
No matter what happens, and no matter the weather
We’ll always find ways – because we are Stronger Together!

By Steve Hall

*PS The final count of PSdT tackles stood at 28 and not 14 – but as this poem was written in the moment, the half time count was 14!!
It was heroic stuff by the entire team!!

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