Africa-Press – Eswatini. More exciting opportunities for poets.
After the launch of the Eswatini Poetry Association (EPA) whose sole aim is to regulate and empower poets in Eswatini, the interim members have officially invited poets to register for free. Speaking to the Interim Secretary, Sibulelo ‘Sbu Jay’ Jele, he said the decision was taken during their first meeting. “We had our first meeting at the Theatre Club wherein the issue of subscription fees was mooted. The consensus was that for now let us not burden poets with a registration fees and subscriptions until such time the Association has grown and has something to offer to poets in their individual endeavours. The reasoning behind this is that once there are monetary contributions, artists will have expectations which perhaps at the time the association is unable to meet and this can lead to conflict,” he said. ‘Sbu Jay’ also shared that they were planning on hosting empowering sessions for the registered members.
Workshop
“We are working on a week-long workshop and cultural exchange poetry camp, culminating in a show in which we have engaged a poetry entity known as Art Across which comprises of poets from South Africa and Lesotho,” he explained. He went on to share that they would update poets through this publication. Interested poets can contact 7660 0238. It is worth noting that the newly-formed association was recently founded with a number of objectives, which include promoting the spirit of mutual cooperation and respect among poets and promoters. Organising training seminars and securing sponsorship. “The coalition would advise the government through the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) on issues of poets and the sector at large.
Support
“We will affiliate to any local or international organisation whose aims and objectives are to support arts. We will also cooperate with other associations, bodies or organisations whose aims and objectives are similar to those of the association,” he said. It is worth noting that EPA is the second association formed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first one being the Eswatini Events Managers and Promoters Association (EEMPA).
Interim
Current members are Dzeli the poet and the interim President Qibho Intalektual. “The current pandemic has halted so many plans and has forced us to wear our creative caps. The association will create platforms for poets to grow and tap into their full potential. Most creatives are drives by passion we will help them grow their talent and monetising their craft,” he added.
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