Local author bags another award

Besides guiding their learners in academics and extracurricular activities, teachers help shape a child’s future and make them into better people.

As a young boy, Midrand resident Nkazimulo Mbonani (28) was always praised for his creative writing by his teachers in primary school. By the time he reached 15 years old, he had already written a few poems.

Born and raised in Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal, Mbonani spent most of his childhood playing indigenous games and connecting with nature around him, which made him often include animals and their different characteristics in his writing.

“My grandmother also helped me develop my writing talents as she told us different old stories in a very creative way,” Mbonani explained.

Fast forward to 2022, and a poem of his Enslaved by love was nominated for a poetry award in this year’s Ulibo Poetry and Honours Awards in the category of most creative poet.

“Three months after reviewing the nominees’ work, the judges awarded me the most creative poet accolade.”

Last year, his first novel Ayokusha Lawo Mahlathi (Your hiding place will eventually be found), was nominated in The Book Behind Awards for the best isiZulu novel, and Mbonani walked away with the award.

“I based my novel on a true story. My friend Pearl Ndlovu was once abducted in Braamfontein and when she told me her story, I resolved to write a novel about human trafficking.”

Besides being an author, he is an English and IT teacher at Cedarwood School. Mbonani draws inspiration from Arch Hades, an international bestselling British poet, and he hopes that someday he will also be an inspiration to someone else.

“People should make it a habit to follow their dreams and never stop aiming high. They should know that they are best and always strive to be known for who they are and what they love.”

Details: Residents can follow Nkazimulo Mbonani on Facebook at Nkazi de poet.

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