Forward to Poetry for Peace

Poetry is a dynamic form that can be used as a force for change, as well as for healing and this book is an effort to do just that.

The book contains poems by aspirant and experienced writers. The criteria for selection was not literary, but based on peace, as well as the commitment of the person to aiding the peace process. The poems have been written in Zulu and English and represent the earnest attempts of the writers to express their vision in the best way that they can.

This process began last year when Nise Malange, Shaun de Waal and Dumisani Phungula, formed the Poetry for Peace Committee. The aim was and is to try to contribute through the use of the energy of poetry, to help bring about peace and healing in our land. More specifically the idea was to commit poets to the peace process, to publish poetry for peace and to present workshops that would help writers. This book therefore is one of the fruits of the aims.

An old Chinese saying says that: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Such a step has been taken, yet it something unique and individual, because never before in South Africa, to our knowledge, has such a book been published.

As such this is a ground breaking affair.

It started when the Poetry for Peace Committee organized the Poetry for Peace Day, on the 11 December 1993, yet it is the result of something the people who form the Poetry For Peace Committee have been doing individually for quite a while now, since last year collectively.

Since the idea was sent out, many others have imitated the above efforts in various ways. To imitators and all who support this work in any way, we say that we hope that this will only be the beginning. The aims of the Poetry for Peace Committee are that the proceeds from the sale of this book will help facilitate the presentation workshops to writers for healing, peace.

We hope that you will enjoy the poems presented in this book. Poets from all walks of life are reflected here, including those who have never been published before.

We invite readers of this book, to make use of the book in public readings, in schools, in workshops, in speeches. Help us to spread through these means the message of Peace. Then, as this goes wider and wider, Peace will become a reality in our land.

The Editors, Nise Malange and Shaun de Waal
Illustrations by Judith King, Copyright 1994
April 1994

Xolo (Zulu Version) Xolo akusabele themba lethu Xolo akusabele themba lesintu Kungani ujabulise ukufa, Lokhu unabalandeli abaningi Buya siyakudinga. Usegiye kakhulu ukufa, Ugiye ngesihlangu sikasankahlu. Ugiye ngesihlangu sezichwensi. Ugiya nje kasimethabeli, Sithi uphi owakoxolo? Buya role sihlangane. Buya sixolelane Buya sixoxisane ngeqiniso. Giya xole! Giya njalo, njalo. Copyright, 1994 Thulani Madlala

Peace. (English Version) Peace we call upon you, you are our hope! Peace respond to us, you are the hope of our nation! Why do you inspire death, you who have many followers? Peace come back, we need you. Death you've celebrated with so many lives, Death you've violently stolen so many lives, unnecessarily, Death we are afraid of you, we're calling for peace now. Come back peace, come unite with us, Come back, let's reconcile, Come back, let us truly negotiate, Celebrate peace, Let's celebrate peace forever. Copyright, 1994 Thulani Madlala English translation by Nise Malange

To learn more about the poets and illustrator click on Contributors.

Proceeds from the sale of Poetry for Peace go towards funding workshops for writers and to spread the message of peace throughout South Africa. You may purchase this book by writing directly to Nise Malange or Shaun de Waal at:

Culture and Working Life
Natal University
PO Box 18091
Dalbridge 4014
South Africa

or contact Mr. Shaun A. de Waal at: DEWAAL@studaff.und.ac.za

The poetry and illustrations on this page are reprinted with permission of the author and/or illustrator and are protected under copyright law.