766 results in Creative Writing
1 - Ugqozi
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
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- Book:
- Amal’ezulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp 1-2
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Summary
Emasangweni akwaDukuza,
Emzin’ omkhulu kaNdaba,
Ngem’ othangweni ngakhuleka,
Ngakhuleka laze layoshona.
Kwaqhamuka insila yenkosi,
Yangiyal’ ukuba ngilinde.
Kwangen’ emakhalen’ am’ iphunga,
Kwakhany’ engqondweni yam’ efiphele.
Kwafika kim’ uMnkabayi emuhle,
Wangithatha phansi wangiphonsa phezulu.
Ngabon’ umlindi-masango evula,
Ngangena ngishwaben’ ulimi,
Ngahlala ngaphakathi kwakho Dukuza.
Angikwazang’ ukubonga
njengobabamkhulu,
Ukudabuka nezinhlungu angikuzwanga.
Ngenaba ngazicabanga ngiyinkosi;
Ngalala, ngaphupha ngeny’ imini
Ngingaphandle kwamasango kaDukuza.
Ngamfun’ uMnkabayi ngangambona;
Ngawabuk’ amasango ngawabona,
Ngawabon’ evaliwe noDukuz’ esefile.
Lwagcwal’ umlom’ ulimi lwami;
Ngathi ngiyakhuluma ngayisimungulu,
Kanti sengintshontsh’ amandl’ ezimbongi.
Namhla kangikwaz’ ukuthula noma
Lapho ngilele ngikwesikaBhadakazi,
Ngivuswa nguMnkabayi ethi kimi:
“Vuka wena kaMancinza!
Kawuzalelwanga ukulal’ ubuthongo.
Vuk’ ubong’ indaba yemikhonto!
Nank’ umthwal’ engakwethwesa wona.”
8 - Khalani maZulu!
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
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- Book:
- Inkondlo kaZulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp 33-40
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Summary
Mabutho kaZulu vukani nonke,
Nibuth’ izihlangu nilalelise!
Akuvuk’ amabuth’ oSuthu,
Kuvuke nakaMandlakazi.
Buthongo bun’ enibulele?
Kanizwa yini wonk’ uZulu
Uyanyamfuz’ okwezimpethu,
Ubik’ indlal’ ezweni lonke,
Uphundlwa nayimikhuhlane,
Ubik’ ubhememe lwelanga?
Seniyakhohlwa yin’ ukuthi
Nathi nibhixana bukhomo,
Nichithan’ eNdondakusuka,
Nafa ningashiye miphako,
Nibon’ ukuth’ amankonyane
Osapho lukaMlungukazana
Asencel’ izinkomazana
Ezazimiselw’ abantwana
Benzalo kaSenzangakhona
Kwehle kufike kuCetshwayo?
Seniyakhohlwa yin’ ukuthi
Kuyinhlawulo yenu nathi
Ukuba mihla nayizolo
Sikhumbul’ iNdondakusuka
Maqede sijuluk’ uvalo
Nxa sikhumbul’ izinyembezi
Zawonina bamaqhawe
Agingqika omela phansi?
Uban’ owabon’ oMbuyazi
Nongas’ akheth’ ithambo lakhe
Phakathi kwamathambo enu?
Ingani nivuk’ ebusuku,
Sizwe nibhixana futhi
Ngemikhont’ egcwel’ igazi.
Sizw’ amawis’ eshay’ inkumba,
Omunye ethi nakomunye,
“Ashila, washa Kuthikuthi!”
Siyezwa silalelise –
Nabanye abadlula khona
Bayezwa balalelise.
Akubanga minyak’ emingaki
Nidabulene ngemikhonto,
Wazizwel’ amandl’ uCetshwayo.
Edudw’ umnumzan’ uSihayo,
Wazizwel’ amandl’ eSandlwana.
Wezw’ igazi lakhe lixhwatha,
Wathath’ umkhonto wawuphonsa
Wawubhekis’ eBalungwini.
Inhlendla yawo yawa phansi,
Yangena phansi yadabula
Yagxila yathi ngxi kwaMhlaba.
Izanusi zathula zathi:
“Wen’ ovimb’ indlela kaZulu
Uzithembis’ umbuso wakhe!
Uyoqhekezwa yimikhonto:
Ubhubhe, ufe, ungabonwa.”
Kwakhethwa iSandlwana saba
Isigcawu sezinsizwa
ZikaZulu noMlungazana.
Zaphela bhuq’ ezikaZulu.
Kwaf’ inyon’ enkulu kwabola
Ngish’ amaqand’ ezikaQwabe.
Kwehla kwafik’ uDinuzulu
Obehlala eSikhwebezi
Emzin’ omkhulu wasoSuthu,
Waqamba futh’ eMahhashini
Phezu kwegquma kwaNongoma.
Kuze kube namhlanje
Siyezwa noma singazange
Silubek’ unyawo qatha
Ukuth’ ukhon’ uMadlokovu
Obizw’ ePitoli wavuma,
Wakhothuluz’ ukwazi kwabo
Echathazelwa uSobantu;
Waphuz’ umlaza wabelungu
Ngameva eshob’ elimhlophe
Elid’ elifik’ ogabeni;
Wakhombis’ amadloz’ okwazi
Namandl’ okuthand’ ukuthula,
Wathob’ amanxeba kaZulu.
Iminyak’ emashumi ntathu
Nesikhombis’ uSolomona
Ephic’ ekhand’ eboph’ isizwe,
Esingenis’ ezindleleni
Zokulahl’ imikhonto phansi,
Siphath’ izikhali zokwazi.
Uye lon’ omis’ isikole
La kufund’ iziphakanyiswa
Ezizosekel’ i-Afrika.
Uye lon’ odl’ abasokoco
BeNtwalizindaba zeTheku.
Ezihlekela waphindela
EMahhashin’ akwaZulu,
Entabeni ehlal’ ingonyama
Ngob’ isab’ izul’ ukuduma.
Konje kwake kwenzeka yini
Ukuba inkos’ esebenze
Imisebenzi emingaka
Ihlale futhi isikhathi
Sokuficwa nawukuguga?
Yebo, Nkayishana enkulu,
Langa lisahlul’ amadoda –
Ulibekil’ itsh’ elikhulu
Emzin’ omkhulu kwaDukuza,
Wavus’ amathambo kaShaka
Odabul’ uMdima noMgovu.
Namhla silind’ ukub’ uvule
Lezo zimfihl’ eziphezu
Nezicindezelw’ etsheni.
Selimisiwe leli gumbi
Ngawo lo nyaka ngqa uqala,
Ulwandle lusukume phansi
Lwakhothamel’ idwala lelo,
Kwazamazam’ umhlaba wonke.
Sonke sezwa lokho sathula,
Kwayilowo wathath’ unyawo,
Wakhohlwa nawukubiza
Amadlozi ukub’ amsize.
Ngiya ngesaba Mqwalajuba!
Lo nyak’ ufika nani Zulu?
3 - Umthandazo Wembongi
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
-
- Book:
- Amal’ezulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp 5-6
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Summary
O, Dloz’ elisezulwini,
Wena Lukhoz’ olubuthise
Amaphiko emafini!
Ufihlen’ emphefumulweni
Wesintu, olukhipha
Ngekhono lamathalente
Ezimbongi zemibala
Yomhlaba nezulu,
Lapho zihay’ izibongo,
Zishukumbisa ingoma,
Zishaya ngemiqangala
Engiyizwe ifihlwe
Ezicakafini zabeLungu
Beshay’ imishini yabo?
Zingifak’ umona,
Ngishishimezwe ubunjonjo.
We, maNyanda kaZulu!
Vusa nakithina,
Sizwe sikaSobantu,
Esiyimisebenzi, yezandla zakho,
Izingcwet’ eziphilel’ inhlokomo
Yomphefumulo neminjunju yenyama:
Zibamb’ iminyibe yezulu namafu,
NjengoShubethi noBithovini noPinsuti.
19 - Ezinkomponi
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
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- Book:
- Amal’ezulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp 73-80
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Summary
Dumani mishini yezinkomponi,
Nidume ngesokusa lize lishone.
Ngizovuka, musani ukungibelesela.
Dumani mishini ningalaleli
Ukugquma kwezisebenz’ ezimnyama,
Ziqaqanjelwa ngamanxeb’ omzimba,
Nezithubula zomoya zifuthelene,
Insila yomjuluko inuk’ emzimbeni,
Inqulu yenu niyithintitha kuthi do.
Memeza mfan’ omdala kukude,
Kukude lapho wabunjwa khona,
Washisw’ emlilweni, kwavuthwa
Wena kwasal’ amalahle wathunyelwa,
Sakubon’ uwel’ amanz’ olwandle.
Wathwalwa ngononjinjikazi bezwe,
Bakushushumbisa bakusa laph’ eGoli.
Wakhala mhlathize kwaqhamuka,
Kuvela macal’ onke izimbila.
Izimbila zabambala mnyama,
Zaswel’ imisila, wazithatha
Wazigqum’ emgodini wazisenga.
Guqukani masondo ezinsimbi,
Nalethelwa thina naboshezelwa
Kungekuthanda kwenu nokuzimisela.
Namhla niduma nilokhu nidonse njalo.
Abanye benu ngibabona begqwalile,
Sebalahlwa ngaphandl’ emazaleni.
Lapho ngidlula ngendlela,
Ngiyaguquka ngibheke
Ngicabanga ngithi niyozalana,
Khathisimbe nande; kodwa qha.
Abanewenu nabo bayagqwala
Ngaphakathi ezinkomponi.
Amaphaphu abo aya ngokugqwala,
Bakhwehlele balale bafe.
Pho, nina anikhwehleli ngani?
Ngizwile kuthiwa emgodini
Kuy’ izizwe ngezizwe zikaMnyama.
Yizo lez’ ezivus’ amagqum’ amhlophe
Amangalis’ amathong’ amnyana.
Ngizwile kuthiwa kwakhala
Imishini kwavela mbib’ emnyama,
Emqondweni wayo kuhlwile khuhle.
Yabanjwa yaphendulw’ imvukuzane,
Yavukuz’ umhlabathi ngabon’ iGoli.
Yebo, zivukuzil’ izimvukuzane
Kwavel’ izindundum’ ezimhlophe.
Zafukuzela phansi zakhwela,
Namhla zingangeSandlwana.
Ngizikhwela ngesul’ isithukuthuku,
Ngithi ngiphezulu ngibon’ izikhatha
Zentuthu emhlophe yothuli isuka
Phans’ ezinyaweni zami, ngibheke,
Ngiyibon’ ivimb’ umhlaba wonke.
Dumani mishini yezinkomponi,
Dumani kakhulu nakakhulu.
Vimbezelani ngomsindo singezwakali
Nakuba sikhala sigquma njalo.
Amalungu emizimba yethu adliwa yini.
Gegethekani mishin’ emidala,
Kuhle nisihleka sifuquleka.
Amandl’ enu makhulu niyesabeka.
Ningenza ngokuthanda kwenu, siyavuma.
Sivumile ukuphum’ eqhugwaneni,
Sazoluswa njengezinkabi;
Sashiy’ amabele namasi nobisi,
Sazohlalel’ uphuthu nephalishi.
Buphelile ubunumzane, singabafana.
Siyabona izwe lishay’ ungqimphothwe.
Sivuswa ngesokusa sim’ uhele.
Wake wakubonaph’ ukungcwatshwa
Ubheke ngawo omabili, uzihambela?
Dumani mishini yezinkomponi.
Ngiyavuka kanginwabuzeli.
Ngizongena phansi komhlaba
Ngiyoshay’ ijombolo phezu kwetshe.
Naw’ ongaphandle ongangizwayo,
Uyobona ngakho ukuthi sengiyalishaya
Ijombolo lomLungu laph’ ubona
Amagaliga nezingolovane ziphuma
Zigcwel’ amatshe amhlophe naluhlaza.
Umfoweth’ uyolithwal’ ipiki,
Nehalavu alibek’ ehlombe
Efak’ amagqukel’ ezinyaweni.
Nay’ angen’ angilandele,
Umhlab’ usigwinye siyovukuza.
Uma ngifile khona ngaphansi
Kuyoba nani?
Ngingubani nje nempela?
Kwasa kusa, mntanomuntu,
Bayagingqika begenuka ngibuka.
Ngingene ngaphansi kwenhlabathi
Kungekho mibhoshongo ekhwele
Engiyibuka ngigebenyeke.
Ngathi ngiyagoduka nemithwalo
Ngashayw’ amahlanga namanxiwa,
Ngenway’ ikhanda ngisangene.
Ngabuz’ umkami nabakhwekazi,
Bangitshel’ umLung’ engimsebenzelayo.
Ngathula ngawuhlab’ inhlali.
Dumani mishini yezinkomponi.
Noma nikude kwaDukathole
Amazw’ enu ahlabay’ emphefumulweni;
Ayancencetha ezindlebeni zami,
Anjengensimbi yethus’ izwakala kude;
Angikhumbuz’ imibhoshong’ emide
Nemicebo, nezicebi engizikhuphulile
Zenyukel’ endlin’ engenhla, zangishiya
Ngigxiz’ amanzi njengengcuba yenkomo.
Amal’ezulu
- B. W. Vilakazi
-
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021
-
Amal’ezulu (Zulu Horizons), first published in 1945, was the second volume of poetry produced by the renowned Zulu author B. W. Vilakazi. It was written during the ten years he spent living in Johannesburg, in 'exile' from his birthplace, KwaZulu-Natal. The poems in this collection represent a turning point in Vilakazi's life; they express yearnings for the beloved land, animals and ancestral spirits of his rural home, as well as expressions of deep disillusionment with the urban life he encountered in the 'City of Gold', and in particular the suffering of the black miners who brought this gold to the surface but never experienced the benefits of the wealth it produced for the mine owners.
Renowned as the father of Nguni literature, Vilakazi was both a traditional imbongi (bard) and a forward-looking poet who could fuse Western poetic forms with Zulu izibongo (praise poetry). In these poems he assumes the role of the voice of the voiceless, and gives poignant expression to the stoic endurance of those caught up in the brutalities of capitalist exploitation of African labour, and the appalling injustices of the migrant labour system.
20 - Isenanelo eminyakeni engamashumi mahlanu
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
-
- Book:
- Inkondlo kaZulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp 105-116
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Summary
Zithi izindunankulu
Mangihlale phansi ngisho,
Ngibhonse njengenkomazi
Ibuya iqond’ ekhaya
Laph’ ilanga lisezansi,
Linjengezintomb’ ezinhle
Zihlab’ umshungu ntambama,
Zisuk’ eMhlathuze ziya
Zoganel’ eMhlathuzane,
Zishiy’ umbuso kwaZulu.
Bath’ abemfundo mangisho,
Mangiland’ umkhondo wazo
Lapho zendela ngakhona,
Ngingakhohlwa yiminyaka
Zaphum’ emakhay’ oyise.
Yebo, lalela-ke Mame,
Nawe mfokaz’ ongathandi,
Oth’ ufika ngaseBhayi
Wanqathuza ngamaRoma
Ngob’ ufun’ uZibusele.
Kunamuhla ngihlabelela
Ngezibongo zabantwana
Abadukelwa ngumhlaba,
Badinda kant’ emakhaya
Baboph’ imithwalo beqa,
Bahamba bashay’ uthuli.
Namanxiw’ awoyisemkhulu,
Nezihlobo zamagazi,
Nomhlab’ othel’ izithelo,
Nelanga lemin’ ehlobo,
Nenyang’ enhle yobusika –
Bahamba beyishiy’ emuva.
Badabul’ amanz’ olwandle,
Bayobhekana nomkhonto
Owakhalis’ amaBhunu,
Newis’ elaxosh’ iNgisi
Liphethwe oMasiphula
Phakathi kwesidlavela
Semizi ngaseSandlwana.
Ye! Beza bazibonela.
Bheka ngaphansi komuzi
Obuswa ngamathong’ odwa,
Ngababona behlangana
OMakhedama noJama,
Behlangana namathongo
Ezwe laseJalimani,
Benz’ isinqum’ esikhulu
Beth’ uZulu makakholwe,
Nay’ ahambe ngenkambiso
Yezizw’ ezapholofithwa
Ithole lokaLangeni.
Baya bathint’ inhliziyo
Enesihe kaFulansi,
Wahlabeka walalela.
Wabeyazibe bamphehla,
Wabeyathule bamhlaba.
Waboniswa ngamaphupho
Izindonga ezibomvu.
Ngizibona ngikhumbule
UMgungundlovu kaZulu.
Phakathi kwazo wabona
Kuphethuz’ izizwe zonke,
Zimnyama, ngisho nonwele
Luqoqene njengolwemvu.
Wezwa zikhulum’ ulimi
Olunobuqhawaxhiwa,
Zigqok’ izikhumba zodwa,
Zihlom’ umkhonto nenduku.
Kwathi laph’ ebuk’ amehlo
Wabon’ ukulangazela
Kwemiphefumulo yazo,
Ilangazel’ ukukhanya
Okwase kuphum’ ezansi
Kuphethwe ngoGilawoti
NoLindile noLandamu.
Wahlabeka kwas’ ebopha;
Wafika eSibubulungu
Wathelwa ngamanz’ oMtate,
Wafunga ngabaphezulu
Ezinikela kuZulu.
Laph’ amagqum’ anodumo
Elulek’ eMkhambathini
Ebalwa ngenkulungwane
Eqonde ngempumalanga,
Uyobona nesikole
Sephupho likaFulansi,
Ephusheni lakhe wezwa,
Wabon’ izinsizw’ ezine
Ziba zinde ngamakhanda,
Ziphawulwe ngezimpawu
Ezagcoba yen’ eRoma.
Wabuka wamangaliswa.
Wafika eMhlathuzane
Wabon’ uKhofi kaMnganga,
Wamephuc’ umutsha wakhe,
Wawusulel’ ezaleni;
Wahlangana noMabhabha
Abathe uzalwa nguMuthwa,
Wamkhininda amahawu,
Wabagugul’ ononhlevu.
Kwaqhamuk’ uPelepele
Omehl’ anjengomthakathi
Othakath’ umfan’ ekhanda:
Wathakath’ okaWeseli,
Wathakath’ okaGumede,
Baphenduk’ amalangabi
Behlangene noSavela
Abazalwa ngawoMbhele.
Thula mfana fun’ angizwe
Kanti sihleba sodwana!
Uy’ uPelepele lona
Kanye namabutho akhe,
Bathath’ imithi kwaBhaca!
Ngathi ngimbona weza
Nenkinsela yakwaKhathi
Ezimbulunga ngamehlo
Njengesikhohlokhohlwane
Esigagul’ inkulumo
Odengezini lwemfundo.
Halala, Makhehla ndini!
Kwem’ izinsizwa zingemi,
Kwasinwa kwafik’ uHuzi
Ogolwe ngapha kwaXhosa
Esegazingwe zinhlupho
Nomhlaba wamdons’ ingqondo.
Yibo laba thina Zulu
Bekanye noBhulayindi,
Abahudule imbiba
Sasale sathungathisa
Amaqangqa namabhansi,
Ngezincwadi zenkalipho
Esifakan’ imilomo
Ngazo ngisho nanamuhla.
Amaqangqa oCaluza
Abacab’ ithambo lakho,
Bavuka bengom’ ingoma,
Bayidons’ umlando wayo
Kuleli zwe lamawele
Abathi siyalithanda,
Silithandil’ i-Afrika.
Amaqangqa ngamagagu
ONgcobo noMayathula
Abaqhwish’ eWendolina.
Nawe ntokazi kaHwanqa
Uyintwasahlobo njalo
Ngokuchumis’ isikole,
Nom’ ungayaphi namuhla
Uyindaba yamagudu.
Uyinxusa lembukiso
KoNanda noManzimtoti.
1 - NgePhasika
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
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- Book:
- Inkondlo kaZulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp 1-4
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Summary
Le nyang’ engiyibona yethwasa,
Ihlephukile phezu kwamahlombe
Entshonalanga, laphaya ezansi –
Isikhumbuz’ izindab’ ezinkulu ezindala.
Ngakho konke lokhu Nkosi
Sibonga wena.
Sikhunjuzwa wen’ uthwabaza
Emhlabathini wezwe lakithi -
Wona lona waBantu abamnyama,
Ungakhonzwa zigqili, nazichaka.
Ngenxa yalokho Nkosi
Siyamangala.
Wawunamandl’ okusaphuca
Igolide, nesiliva, namatsh’ egugu;
Namhl’ ahlobise izigqoko neziphika
Zamakhos’ omhlaba, nezikhulu zamabandla,
Kodwa wena wadlula wacimez’ amehlo.
Ngakho konke lokhu Nkosi
Sibonga wena.
Walal’ ocansin’ olwendlelwe phansi;
Wahlala nesintu emigqikini yokhuni;
Wadla nabangcolile yizifo nezono,
Kodwa umfoweth’ omhlophe
Uyangidela, uyangiphundla: ngiyamnukela.
Ngenxa yalokhu Nkosi
Ngizoshonaphi?
Inyang’ iphumile, umthal’ uqhakazile.
Inyanga nguwena, izinkanyezi zomthala
Yizona zinyembezi zakho nezami,
Wen’ owazula, udingiswa izwe lonke.
Khanya usus’ umnyama phezu kwaMhlaba!
Ngakho konke lokhu Nkosi
Sename nathi.
Ngiyezwa besondel’ ukukukhaphela.
Igazi nomzimba wam’ uyathuthumela;
Nami bangithengisa nxazonke zomhlaba,
Ngoba ngidalwe ngabamnyana.
Kangilikhethanga leli bala, ngaphiwa nguwe.
Ngenxa yalokhu Nkosi
Ngibonga wena.
Lapho bekubethel’ ogodweni,
Usungulo lungenamahlon’ okungena
Lubhoboz’ inyam’ emanzi luyibhanqa
Nokhun’ olomil’ olungezwa zinhlungu,
Kuyampompoza kweyam’ inhliziyo.
Ngakho konke lokhu Nkosi
Ungangikhohlwa.
Ngikhumbuze min’ engimnyama
Izifundo nenkambo yempilo yakho
Wen’ owaling’ ukusifundisa
Ubunzima buka “Qha”,
Ngezenzo nangemicabango.
Ngenxa yalokho Nkosi
Ngiyakubonga.
Introduction
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
-
- Book:
- Inkondlo kaZulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp xix-xxx
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16 - Ngomz’omdaladala kaGrout
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
-
- Book:
- Inkondlo kaZulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp 69-76
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Summary
O Groutville, muz’ omdala kaGilawoti!
Nawe zakusela izinsuku msuku.
Kusabus’ obabamkhulu bebodwa.
Kuthiw’ injobo babeyithungel’ ebandla,
Bengenjengathi esiyithunga sisodwa
Sihlez’ ezigqikini nasezincansini
Bon’ abangazange bazithi shazi.
Ngendaba sesitshelw’ amandla
Kuthiwa kwakubuswa kulezo nsuku.
Kwakusekhona nezitetelegu ndini
Enzalo yazo siyibona ngolugazi.
Wo, zidlule lezo nsuku muzi kaGilawoti!
Lo kwakumuz’ owawuvunganyelw’ indlovu
Phansi koMakhabeni, likhoth’ oNdlovu,
Kusekhon’ amahlath’ anamahlozi,
Kungamangalisi ingwe eyingozi
Ikubhozomela, ikwenekele phansi.
Nanka amasim’ omhlanga elucansi,
Esikaza nomoba ay’ ashay’ eMvoti
Omanzi aw’ anehlimbithw’ angan’ amtoti,
Agudle njengomqhumo wasemthimbeni
Ephahle la nangal’ amanzi nob’ ephandle,
Kuhelisene kuyolwandle njengomthimba.
Azisekh’ iziziba zakho Mvoti,
Amaqhikiza nezintombi zakho
Ezazibhidla nje zishay’ intshiki kuzo.
Alisekh’ itsh’ elikhulu lokugxuma
Laph’ izinsizwa namagawu bezothi
Zingene ngenhloko zidl’ umtshuzo
Kuhle kwezingxangxa namadwi.
Amagagasi abengelutho, noma
Bewasika abesikeka dweshu.
Hhayi kungenjengansuku zanamuhla,
La sithontel’ inhlabathi yonk’ imihla
Namanz’ engenabo lobo bumtoti.
Uma besekhon’ abathi “Guga mzimba!”
Nathi kufanele sithi “Guga Mvoti!”
Kungaze kuthiwe “Guga”, la kungase
Kwenzeke yini khona lokho uma kuse –
Khona namatsh’ esiShaka singashaywa?
Konje ukhon’ umuz’ ongashingiphala
Ngoba uthi won’ unganywe ngangcono
Amathongo angadlula okaMenzi?
Phezulu kwayo indlu yezinhlakanipho,
Emqongweni wamagquma kaMandelu,
Wena Nodumehlezi wawehla njalo;
Nathi sike sihlangane nawe sibone.
Wawudabul’ amanz’ aseMvoti,
Ugudl’ amagqum’ aseZenzeleni,
Nakh’ ukhwel’ ukhal’ oluseMnyundwini
Ngezansi kweziwa zakwaManzasengwa.
Lapha wawuy’ uthi voshosho uphuze
Ngothi lwesijula emingamanzini.
Eyethile ithakac’ izandla phansi.
Umzila nomkhondo wezinyamazane:
Izimbabala, nonkonka, nemigakla,
Udobel’ amehlo phakathi ehlathini.
Wen’ oyinkonyane kaSenzangakhona,
Wawubuk’ uhleke, konke kungokwakho.
Um’ amanz’ ampof’ esekungen’ umthambo,
Izinjuqu zezinsizwa zikaZulu
Zazikuphasa ngalapha nangalapha,
Zikutatamise zikukhuphulele
Phezu kwedwala lamadlozi awoXaba
Alimbela ngaphansi kwaMhlaba, athi
Liyoba umgqiki nembeleko yakho
Laph’ ubuk’ izinkomo namankonyane
Zabantwanyana nezinkedama zakho.
Izinkophe zobukhosi bakho Zulu
Ziyasesabisa, zesabis’ obabamkhulu;
Zibuk’ oNtaba, zibuk’ oMqwebu,
Zibheke phans’ eNkobongo ngaseMhlali,
Kodw’ akuzwakali kusola, kuthe nya.
Zibuye zibhek’ uMkhwethu noGovu,
Zibabone belele noBantukabezwa;
Amagej’ omoba nezinqola zoNoqhomela
Zidlidla phezu kwabo: uthule kaNdaba!
Wawushilo khona bekugwaz’ oMbopha,
Benz’ uzungu noDingane noMhlangana,
Washo wathi ngeke libuswe, koba nje.
Abanye babasikibunda baseMvoti
Baqinisa begomel’ okwesibawu,
Bayasho bath’ ukhon’ ulele kulo
Labo lezinwel’ eziluhlaza cwephe;
Kodwa kakukho natshe abaholi bethu
Abalenze laba umcamelo wentamo
Yakho eyagebis’ oMbuyazi weTheku,
Yaze yavum’ oFebana kaMjoji
Behlangene ngamakhanda eMtateni
Kanye noDumase, noWohlo, noPhobana.
Bath’ ulele phansi kwemisilinga
Namatshan’ uDukuz’ awanqwab’ eduze.
3 - Ukhamba lukaSonkomose
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
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- Book:
- Inkondlo kaZulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp 13-14
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Summary
Babomkhulu! Angikwazi
Kodwa ngikhuluma nawe,
Ngingenakubona wena
Kodwa ngibon’ amabhena,
Athe kim’ azalwa nguwe,
Anginika lokhu kwazi.
Phambi kwami nant’ ukhamba,
Bath’ ukhamb’ olwaludlela
Wena mfo waseMzwangedwa,
Owashiy’ uhamba wedwa
Wakhohlwa nokumbulula
Okuphethwe yilolu khamba.
Ukhamba lukaMkhulu lolu,
Lwagudulwa ngamalula
Lwab’ umbuyis’ ophambili.
Isitsh’ esingakadleli
Esithwal’ amalephula,
Sibunjwe ngemigulugulu.
Kuwe ngibon’ izintaba
Ezaqanjwa ngoSonkomose,
Ezaqhamuka noMkhwethu,
Zakha ngolwenkab’ ukhwethu,
Zifung’ okabab’ uNkombose
Zithi: Mzungeziwentaba!
Ngiyesaba ngamaqili
Lolu khamb’ olwawagudla
Lungebon’ oMkhwethu ngezwi:
“Imband’ abayizwe ngezwi
Ukuthi kwaMzilikaz’ iyadla,
Utshan’ obumampilimpili.”
Yeka lawo manz’ ampofu,
Qwabe wen’ obuwakhonza
Enjengompe lwezinyosi!
Ngish’ ikholw’ elithi, Nkosi,
Emsamo liyakukhonza
Wena Nkosazan’ empofu
Owendela kul’ ukhamba
Nokuphethwe yil’ ukhamba.
13 - Ngoba ... Sewuthi
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
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- Book:
- Amal’ezulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp 29-30
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Summary
Ngoba ngimamatheka njalo,
Ngikhombisa nokwenama,
Ngihlabelela ngephimbo,
Nom’ ungifak’ emgodini
Ngaphansi kwezinganeko
Zamatsh’ aluhlaz’ omhlaba —
Sewuthi nginjengensika
Yon’ engezwa nabuhlungu.
Ngob’ umlomo wam’ uhleka,
Namehl’ am’ ebheke phansi,
Ngifingqe ngabek’ idolo,
Nezinwele sezimpofu
Zigcwel’ uthuli lomgwaqo,
Ngipheth’ ipiki ngesandla,
Neyemb’ elingenamhlane —
Sewuthi nginjengedwala
Lon’ elingakwaz’ ukufa.
Ngoba njalo ngakusihlwa
Sengigumul’ iketango
Lomsebenz’ onzim’ emini,
Ngihlangana nabakithi
Siyogadlela ngendlamu,
Singoma ngamadala
Asikizelis’ igazi,
Kuphele nokukhathala —
Sewuthi ngiyisilwane
Esifa kuzalw’ esinye.
Ngoba ngiwumngquphane,
Ngibulawa ukungazi,
Ngingaqondi namithetho,
Kodwa ngizwa ingiphanga;
Nendlu yami ngiyibeke
Ngaphansi kweziwa zetshe;
Utshani buyindlu yami,
Isaka liyisivatho —
Sewuthi ngiyisiduli,
Kanginalo nonyembezi
Olucons’ enhliziyweni,
Luwel’ ezandlen’ ezinhle
Zamadloz’ abuka konke.
2 - Inkelenkele yakwaXhosa
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
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- Book:
- Inkondlo kaZulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp 5-12
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Summary
Umkhosi was’ uhlatshwe walawulwa,
Lonk’ elikaKleli noSandile
Layizwa intokazi kaMhlakaza
Yon’ eyayiwabonile lawo
Mathong’ okhokho bay’ abangazange
Baze bawadikaze ngamehlo.
Ilanga labe selimiswa njalo,
Lapho ngisho wena salukazi –
Umxhilibana njengodade nje,
Wawuzobhilelwa ubutshitshi,
Ukhunjuliswe lokhuy’ okudala,
Zithi kuwe izinsizwa: Qoma!
Kwaphum’ ixheg’ eselibhinca nhlanye,
Lathath’ ubhoko ladondolozela
Liqinis’ imisiph’ emilenzeni;
Lagcob’ amafuth’ ezimvub’ ekhanda
Khon’ izinwele zizobuyelana;
Laqal’ ukuphoth’ amadev’ angwevu.
Elinye lezwakala selishela
Lithi: “Uyongiphendula uthini,
Mabani lapho sengithi kuwena,
Ngiyakuthanda ntombi kaSandile?
Uyogwinya nje amazwi ami?”
Kwakusemnandi betekulisana,
Kumnand’ ukuzulisana ngem’qondo.
Kwabhinca kwahloba amakhehla
Ngisho nanamadolo njengoMthontela
Acwala ongiyane, neziqhova,
Namasakabula, nezinsimba.
Alinga nokubhina ethi: “Yeka
Kuseyithi seqa njengamathole!”
Bheka izibaya nezinxuluma
Kukhamisile lezo ziprofitho
Zamandikikazi kaXhosa
Aphupha njengoJosef’ eGibhithe,
Kepha won’ ephupha imbubhiso
Yenzalo yawoyise oMlanjeni.
Phendukis’ amehlo, uzobona
Amanqe, izinyoni zaphezulu
Zizitika, zilale zingembethe;
Nezinja, nenkentshane, nezimbodla,
Zenza isimonqo sasethala.
Likhul’ igama lakho Nongqawuze!
Laphuma lon’ ilanga njengemihla,
Nomoya wathi walakahle phezu
Kwaleyo ntaba yesiqalekiso,
Naphezu kwamagama awoMhlakaza,
NoNongqawuze nenkohliso yabo.
Ukuduma kolwandle kwabethusa,
Bese bethatha sengathi yikhona
Ukubhilwa kwabo. Noma kunjalo
Akukh’ oyedwa owezwakalayo
Ebika elokudangala nosizi.
Nanguya laphay’ uTsili iqhawe
Ebamisa isibindi njalo,
Ngokuvungamisa yon’ inkondlo
Yamaqhawe amakhulu odwa,
OMakana nawoNdlambe nawoLinda.
Amazwi abo ezwakala ngisho
Kuzo izigodlo zamathongo
Ayesakhathele, esazunywe
Ubuthongo phezu kwezicephu
Zamafu, nezolwandle, nezokhamba.
Kwakuzwakala izwi elincane
Lowesifazan’ ekikizelela
Ukungena kwamaqhaw’ ezinsizwa
Ngezigi zenhliziyo yakhe yedwa,
Igidizela ngezig’ ezinkulu
Esifubeni sakhe. Ephuph’ ebona
Bon’ oyisemkhulu bemabhongo,
Namaveleta ezinsizwa ezawa
Empini yokuqala yemibango
Yezwe lawokhokho, leli lanamuhla.
Ilanga lakhwel’ ummango walo
Liyilokhu lisinekile njalo
Imisebe yalo ehlabayo.
Lazi konke okwehlakalayo
Nokuzovela phinde lithi vuya,
Ladwengula lay’ entshonalanga.
Kwezwakala omuny’ ebuza ethi:
“Kodwa nith’ ikhona into ekhona?”
Abanye babik’ indlala nokoma,
Amaqhalaqhala athula duya.
Kwavela ishing’ elithize lathi:
“Ngikhombise, uphi uNongqawuze,
Ngincame ngizizwele ngesijula?”
Kwahlokom’ izwi labadala bathi:
“Thul’ umsindo mfana kaNobani,
Uxosha amathongo, azofika
Ngokushona kwenhlamvu yal’ ilanga.”
Yashona yathi gqwambi, kodwa dwaya.
Kwahwelela kwaqoqana ukuhlwa.
Yaphum’ inyang’ ihlek’ usulu nayo.
Luthuli lwani lolu oluthunqa
Laphaya, kade kumi izixuku
Zilindele ukubunjwa kabusha?
Ngitshele! Sekuyiwo yini lawo
Mabutho, nemihlambi, nemithimba
Ebilindwe mini yonkana lena?
Ngalalelisa ngezwa ukukhala
Kwakho wena mntwana ongenacala;
Ngalalelisa ngezwa ukukhala
Kwakho wena ntombi nenkehl’ emsulwa;
Ngalalelisa ngezwa ukukhala
Kwakho wena salukazi osele,
Kwaduma kwabikel’ izinkanyezi.
12 - Ma ngificwa ukufa
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
-
- Book:
- Inkondlo kaZulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp 51-52
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Summary
Ngimbeleni ngaphansi kotshani
Duze nezihlahla zomnyezane,
Lapho amagatsh’ eyongembesa
Ngamaqabung’ agcwel’ ubuhlaza.
Ngozwa nami ngilele ngaphansi
Utshani ngaphezulu buhleba:
“Lala sithandwa, lal’ uphumule.”
Ngimbeleni phezu kwamadamu
Laph’ amanz’ ethul’ enganyakazi,
Nalaph’ izinyon’ ezincanyana
Zihlabelela zisho ngephimbo
Zenanel’ ukwethwasa kwehlobo,
Zehle ziphuz’ amanz’ apholile
Laph’ ilanga lingenakushisa.
Ngiyeke ngifel’ ezindleleni
Zabantwan’ abafund’ isikole
Njengob’ amahlomb’ esehluleka
Yimithwal’ ebengisindwa yiyo.
Iyona misindo yabantwana
Eduduza imiphefumulo
Elel’ ukulal’ okuphakade.
Ngimbeleni endawen’ enjena:
Laph’ izinsungulo zezilimi
Zenkathazo zingenakuthola
Sango lokwahlukanis’ umhlaba,
Zingivus’ ebuthongweni obuhle.
Uma wen’ ofunda le migqana
Ungifïca, ungimbele lapho
Utshani ngaphezulu buyothi:
“Lala sithandwa, lal’ uphumule.”
Inkondlo kaZulu
- B. W. Vilakazi
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- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021
-
Inkondlo kaZulu (Zulu Poems), the first volume of poetry by B. W. Vilakazi, was first published in 1935. This was the first book of poems ever published in isiZulu; it also marked the launch of the newly established Bantu (later, African) Treasury Series, a collection of twenty classic works written between 1935 and 1987 in African indigenous languages. It contains superb nature poems and also reflects Vilakazi’s contact with Western modernity. As both a traditional imbongi (bard) and a forward-looking poet who could fuse Western poetic forms with Zulu izibongo (praise poetry), he used his writings to express his resistance to the realities of capitalist exploitation of African labour and the appalling injustices of the migrant labour system. By committing to writing in poetic form what had traditionally been conveyed orally from one generation to the next, he preserves for future generations deep philosophical and emotional experiences of Zulu society.
The republication of Inkondlo kaZulu affords the reader the opportunity to reappraise Vilakazi’s intellectual significance and his renown as the ‘father of Nguni literature’ at a time when the need is acutely felt to unshackle ourselves from ethnic boundaries and break the invisible chains of inherited prejudice.
21 - Wena-ke uyothini?
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
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- Book:
- Inkondlo kaZulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp 117-117
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Summary
(Lesi yisihumusho sesosha esithi,And what
shall you say? esaqanjwa nguJoseph S Cotter,
Jr., imbongi emnyama yaseMelika.)
Woza-ke mnewethu,
Masiye kuNkulunkulu wethu!
Lapho sesiklele phambi kwakhe,
Ngokhuluma ngithi:
“Nkosi kangizondi muntu,
Kepha mina ngiyazondwa;
Kangibhambi muntu ngemishiza,
Nokho ngidunjelwa yimivimbo;
Kangiqhwagi ndawo zamuntu,
Okuncane kwami kuyaqhwagwa;
Kangizibhinq’ izizwe zabanye,
Esami sibinqwa yizo zonke.”
Ngitshele mnewethu!
Uyothini wena?
Isingeniso
-
- By Mpume Zondi
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
-
- Book:
- Amal’ezulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp vii-xx
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Summary
Iqoqo lesibili likaBenedict Wallet Vilakazi elithi, Amal’ezulu, lashicilelwa okokuqala ngonyaka we-1945 ngabashicileli base-University of the Witwatersrand Press eGoli. Ngowe-1954, 1960, 1962 nowe-1970 leli qoqo laligaywa kabusha ngabashicileli abafanayo kusetshenziswa imithetho emisha yokubhalwa kolimi. Ushicilelo lwakamuva lwale ncwadi lwaphuma ngowe-1980. Leli qoqo lezinkondlo lalibaluleke kakhulu eminyakeni elishumi ngemuva kokuba efikile uVilakazi eGoli ngemuva kokushiya kwakhe isifundazwe adabuka kuso, iKwaZulu- Natali (nokwakuyiNatali ngaleso sikhathi). Isikhathi seminyaka elishumi phakathi kwencwadi Inkondlo kaZulu, okuyiqoqo likaVilakazi lokuqala elashicilelwa ngowe-1935, kanye naleli qoqo yisikhathi lapho impilo yakhe yayigcwele ukungqubuzana kwangaphakathi nokudideka. Nokho, wazuza iqhuzu eliphezulu kwezemfundo ephakeme ngenkathi eba ngumuntu ompisholo wokuqala waseNingizimu Afrika ukuthola iziqu zobuDokotela kwezeMibhalo (DLitt) emibhalweni yesiZulu ngowe-1946. Inkondlo kaZulu kanye nAmal’ezulu akumele zibhekwe njengezincwadi ezizimele ngazodwana; womabili la maqoqo adingida izindikimba ezisabalulekile nanamuhla, futhi kunokuxhumana okubalulekile phakathi kwawo.
UVilakazi wazalwa ngowe-1906 eGroutville, eStanger (manje osekuthiwa kuKwa-Dukuza), waphothula amabanga aphansi esikoleni sesonto sendawo kanti wayelusa nezinkomo zakwabo uma sekuphume isikole. KwaDukuza kuyibanga elicela kumakhilomitha angamashumi ayisikhombisa nanhlanu uma ubheka enyakatho usuka edolobheni iTheku, futhi kuseduze nesigodlo seSilo sakwaZulu sodumo lokubumba isizwe, uShaka kaSenzangakhona. Umlando ocebile wale ndawo, kuhlanganisa nezindawo ezigudle ulwandle, wanikeza uVilakazi umcebo wamasiko akwaZulu nezithombe-magama, ulwazi olujulile lwalokhu lwalubalulekile emibhalweni yakhe – ikakhulukazi izinkondlo zakhe – lapho ayelusebenzisa khona lolu lwazi njengamasu obunkondlo.
Kungumkhuba ojwayelekile kwabaNsundu ukuthi izingane zethiwe ngamagama akhomba izigameko ezinkulu ezenzeke ngezikhathi zokuzalwa kwazo. Nangesikhathi sokuzalwa kukaVilakazi, iNkosi uBhambatha wesizwe sakwaZondi bude buduze noMgungundlovana wahola impi eyayiphikisana nomthetho wezifika-namthwalo owawuphoqa ukuthi kukhokhelwe amakhanda (bheka i-South African History Online n.d.), nabazali bakaVilakazi, uMshini noLeah, bametha ngelikaBhambatha kaMshini ukuqopha isigameko sonyaka wokuzalwa kwakhe okwakungowempi kaBhambatha. Wabe esebhabhadiswa ngelikaBenedict Wallet ngemuva kokuthi umndeni wakhe uzibandakanye nenkonzo yamaRoma Akhatholika. Nokho ngenxa yokudaza kukanina inkani, wakwazi ukusigcina isibongo sakhe uVilakazi.
Ngesikhathi sempi kaBhambatha, amabutho athatha izikhali ephikisana nokwethulwa kwentela yokuthelela amakhanda kwabesilisa (ukhandampondo) okwakuhloswe ngayo ukukhipha amadoda emakhaya awo ukuze ayosebenza ezindweni ezikude nasemakhaya. Lolu hlelo lokuyofuna umsebenzi kude lwalungathandeki ngokudonsela amadoda ohlelweni lomnotho lwaseNtshonalanga nolusaqhubeka kuze kube nanamuhla. Lolu hlelo lugcizelela kakhulu ukuxhashazwa kwabasebenzi abaNsundu ngokubaphathisa okwezigqila, ukubakhokhela ubala, nokubasebenzisa kanye nokubahlalisa ngaphansi kwezimo ezingagwinyisi mathe. Ngenxa yokuqaliswa kwezimboni kanye nokushiya amakhaya bayosebenza kude, ikhaya ngokwesintu lavele lahlakazeka okwangempela. Nakuba le mbedumehlwana ingaphumelelanga, isibindi seNkosi uBhambhatha kaMancinza nokuzama kwakhe ukuvimba abesizwe sakhe ekusebenzeni njengezigqila ukuze bakwazi ukukhokha ukhandampondo, kwaba yimpi eyabe isiqhutshwa nguVilakazi, kodwa eseyiqhuba ngepeni esikhundleni sempi ehloma ngezikhali.
7 - Woza Nonjinjikazi!
- B. W. Vilakazi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
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- Book:
- Inkondlo kaZulu
- Published by:
- Wits University Press
- Published online:
- 01 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 01 October 2021, pp 29-32
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Summary
Woza wena Nonjinjikazi!
Woza mshikishi wendlela,
Wen’ olunyawo lumbaxambili,
Lwalukwe zisinga zensimbi
Zikhwela, zeqana, zehlana
Phansi naphezu kwamathafa;
Wen’ owathath’ obabamkhulu
Wababhungula nakalokhu;
Sathi sibabuza waziba,
Washushubeza ngejubane
Sengath’ uvalwe nezindlebe,
Utshobele unotshobela.
Waleth’ izihubahubane
Zazovukuz’ umhlaba wethu,
Kunamhla sibon’ amagquma
Amhlophe njengezihlabathi
Zemisinga yamanz’ olwandle.
Bheka nakhu ngihlezi phansi
Kwexhib’ abaphumula kulo
Okade ubaginge bezwa.
Ngibuka ngasempumalanga
Lapho kusuka izikhatha
Zentuthu nothul’ olumhlophe,
Ziqubuka zisho phezulu.
Kumnandi ukuba sendaweni
Enjengalena laph’ ilanga
Seliyoshona liyinhlamvu
Yomlil’ obomv’ ukhanya
Kwanga uvivi lokusa.
Ngiyalibona leli langa
Eliphelezelwa ngamafu
Akhanyis’ okwensimb’ ebomvu
Ivutha phakathi kwelahle –
Linendingilizi yomqhele
Ocwebezelis’ okwegoli
Lawo babamkhul’ e-Afrika.
Shona langa lemihla yonke,
Wen’ owanqab’ ukukhanyisa
Kithina sizwe sikaMnyama
Imfihlo yomtapo wegoli
Engilibona licebisa
Izizwe nezinxa zomhlaba.
Thina bakaMnyama sibuka
Sikhex’ izindeb’ ezinkulu.
Sondela sikhathi somnyama!
Nakho sengizwa namagekle
Akhalis’ okotokoloshe
Becwil’ emanzin’ oThukela.
Ngizw’ abaVenda nabaTshopi
Behay’ amahubo
Okuchwensa kwezithandani
Ziklabile njengezimazi
Ezimalunga nezimpemvu
Ezinkangala ze-Afrika.
Ngiyezwa kuduma naphansi,
Izinyawo zisikaz’ ize,
Zingikhumbuz’ oMameyiguda
Ngasezigcawini zeTheku.
Ngiyezw’ amahub’ ahlukile
Kwawezizwe zaseMfolozi.
Suka wena Nonjinjikazi!
Mus’ ukusondela masinya,
Ngisathathekile manjena.
Sengathi ngabe ngicashile
Phakathi kwamahlang’ akithi
Agcwel’ ummbila namathanga,
Ngingenakuthikamezeka
Yilezi zixuku zabantu
Ezidlula zixokozela.
Ngizibon’ ilanga liphuma,
Ngazibon’ ilanga lishona.
Kobamnyama kuse zidlula.
Contents
- David Scott
-
- Book:
- Design in Airline Travel Posters 1920–1970
- Published by:
- Anthem Press
- Published online:
- 09 February 2021
- Print publication:
- 18 January 2021, pp vii-viii
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
1 - Fact and Fantasy: Reading and Misreading the Poster Image
- David Scott
-
- Book:
- Design in Airline Travel Posters 1920–1970
- Published by:
- Anthem Press
- Published online:
- 09 February 2021
- Print publication:
- 18 January 2021, pp 7-24
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
This chapter centres on the airline poster image's double status: objective information and subjective fantasy or desire. The richness of airline posters in the early modern age of graphic reproduction (1920–50, with 1950–70 marking a transition period) is invariably a function of this double agenda. For the poster's aim is to portray an image that elicits from the viewer intense identification through both its formal structure and its ostensible content. In poster art, visual strategies are therefore developed to maximize viewer identification on both a rational and a fantasy level. Sometimes it is the appeal of the graphic image that fulfils desire while the textual component supplies the objective information. At other times, the textual message itself becomes as much a seductive agent as the image – as in those memorable and enticing slogans developed by many airline companies from the 1940s. Alternatively, in the most successful posters, it is the indissoluble combination of the two, text and image, that ensnares or enchants the viewer/reader who is invited to bring both textual and visual understanding to bear on the unravelling of the poster message. In this way the most persuasive posters mobilize a rhetoric of image-text that the very act of apprehension persuades the receiver to enter into, inviting them to enjoy the poster's creation of meaning as an enticing textual/visual game (see Scott, 2010).
It is the desire or fantasy aspect of the image that normally comes across as strongest in the travel poster. But there is always a risk attached to it. Whereas the objective, factual aspect of the poster information can be verified and is rarely problematic, the desire element is very much open to interpretation. The poster designer of course aims to control that interpretation (see Scott, 2010) so that it is correctly grasped. If he or she fails, the outcome can be disastrous, as in those posters in which the real/informational element of the poster fails to temper and control the fantasy element. A striking example of this is provided by one in a series of Australian Airlines posters of 1990, examined below, in which the real destination of the airline, though visually present, is upstaged or falsified by an attendant erotic scenario that was so misread by its intended audience that the poster had to be quickly withdrawn.
Design in Airline Travel Posters 1920–1970
- A Semiology and Sociocultural History
- David Scott
-
- Published by:
- Anthem Press
- Published online:
- 09 February 2021
- Print publication:
- 18 January 2021
-
This book studies design in airline travel posters of the 1920–1970: period. It is both a semiology and a sociocultural cultural history that explores the way advertising posters combine information and fantasy to create seductive images/texts. The book is lavishly illustrated in colour, the images constituting part of the overall argument. The field of poster studies is vast, but it is surprising how little work has been done till date on the fundamental structures - semiotic and semantic - that underpin the visual messages posters produce. Most studies of posters focus either on their history; on specific themes - politics, travel, sport, cinema; or on their status as collectable items. Though such approaches are valid, they hardly account for the specificity of the poster's appeal or for the complex semiotic and cultural issues poster art raises. This book sets out to tackle these latter issues since they are fundamental both to the deeper significance and to the wider appeal of the poster as a cultural form. In doing so it focuses on the field of airline travel posters which developed precisely in the period of the twentieth century (1920–1970) that coincided with the onset of mass travel.