This month Jozi House of Poetry introduces a diverse panel of poets: an MC, a midwife and a historian share their perspectives on peace. We are bombarded with physical and emotional violence, war, abuse, addiction, racism, xenophobia, corruption, theft, rape. Where do we go to find peace? What does this peace look like? How does it feel? Does our writing change? Can we imagine peace in our lifetime?

Makhosazana (Khosi) Xaba, a midwife, gender activist and former soldier, returned to South Africa in 1990, and began pursuing her passion for literature and remaking herself as the country she fought to create came into being. After the publication of her first collection, these hands, she graduated cum laude with a Masters in Creative Writing and released her second collection Tongues of their mothers, “an arresting combination of challenging social commentary and intensely personal reflection”. She continues to contribute to the health and well-being of our country as a poet and as a health worker.

Thekwini se kind (Durban’s child) Busiswa Gqulu collaborated with DJ Zinhle’s to write and perform the smash hit My Name Is, and is signed to the popular outfit Kalawa Jazmee Records. Her poetic journey began in 2005 as a member of the all-women collective ‘Basadzi Voices’ and she has shared stages with Tu Nokwe, Thandiswa Mazwai and Siphokazi.

Sarah Godsell gathers oral histories from people in different parts of South Africa. Academic curiosity led her to a field rich in emotional journeys, which feeds into her poetry. Godsell is fascinated and inspired by the human spirit, the need to protect hope and the need to tell truths.
Jozi House of Poetry takes place on 28 October at PopArt Theatre, Main Street Life in the Maboneng Precinct. Tickets are R50 or R40 with a donation of sanitary pads. The poetry is followed by an audience-led discussion and an open mic.