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DUT VICTORIOUS DURING STUDENT NATIONAL POETRY CHALLENGE

DUT VICTORIOUS DURING STUDENT NATIONAL POETRY CHALLENGE

The Durban University of Technology won big during the Drama for Life Lover + Another National Poetry Challenge hosted recently by the University of Witwatersrand at its Braamfontein Campus.

DUT’s Mazwi Shozi emerged victorious after being voted as the second best poet in the event taking home R5000 in cash prize. Shozi serenaded to an audience who had packed Wits Theatre with his nicely crafted poem titled: “Izolo Impilo Beyizibuka Ngomunye Umuntu” an IsiZulu phrase detailing all the life’s challenges and triumphs.

“Winning is a nice feeling. Apart from winning the money, we gain so much about writing and marketing our work as poets. We also gain valuable knowledge about HIV/AIDS. I will capitalize on this accolade by continuing to write, recite and inspire people through the spoken word,” said the elated Shozi.

Shozi, a third year Library and Information Studies student conceded that he has never been to the city of gold (Johannesburg) before. “It was my first time going to Johannesburg and flying and I’m humbled by this opportunity offered by DUT HIV/AIDS Centre,” he added.

The event is a poetry annual showdown which serves as an intervention which tackles social ills and challenges facing youth especially in the higher education sector. The program is supported by AIDS Health Foundation and aims at providing a platform for youth in different universities in South Africa to engage robustly on topical subjects such as sexuality, relationships, culture and HIV/AIDS.   

Project Officer at DUT’s HIV/AIDS Centre, Mthokozisi Mnculwane, was elated for the accolade that Shozi received: “As DUT HIV/AIDS Centre our objective is to work with student community at DUT and not just to tell them about HIV but also for them to capitalize on their talent particularly writing and performance poetry. To wing these things together and bring about awareness in-terms of vulnerabilities of young people and their challenges,” said Mnculwane.

Twelve contestants were competing for the ultimate cash prize of R8000. KwaZulu-Natal was represented by DUT and UKZN. Also in attendance were Wits as hosts, Rhodes University, Fort Hare University and Tshwane University of Technology.

Pictured: In the middle: Mthokozisi Mnculwane HIV/AIDS Centre Project Officer flanked by Mazwi Shozi (left) and Lethu Nkwanyana. Shozi walked away with second place during the Drama for Life Lover + Another National Poetry Challenge held recently in Wits.

 

Sandile Motha    

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