The KwaThema resident fell in love with poetry when he was a young boy in Grade 11 (previously known as Form 3).
He explained he noticed his growing love for penning poems while writing his final examinations.
Tshabalala said instead of writing down the answers to the exam questions, he composed a long poem about Adam and Eve, and submitted it to his teacher.
“I got into trouble with the school principal because I did not write the exam but wrote a poem,” said Tshabalala.
Tshabalala explained that his poems are based on incidents he witnesses everyday, such as crime, drug abuse and cultures.
He said the words he uses to compose his poems come to him in his dreams.
“I see the words in my sleep and I immediately wake up to write them down, so I do not forget,” said Tshabalala.
He believes that poetry writing is not like any other talent, and is a special way to send different messages to people.
Giving a word of encouragement to the youth in Kwatsaduza, Tshabalala said they must strive to make their lives better by finding their passions and doing what they love.
Tshabalala also encouraged parents to support their children in whatever they do to better their lives.
He has four children, Sibusiso (47), Hlanganani (41), Nonhlanhla (40) and Thamsanqa (36), none of whom share his love for poetry.
