Poetry Africa Fest crowns Zewande BK Bhengu as SA's Slam Poetry Champ

The 29th edition of the Poetry Africa festival concluded on a high note this past Saturday at Seabrooke’s Theatre, with Zewande BK Bhengu emerging as the 2025 South African Slam Poetry Champion. The festival, hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, brought together over 100 poets, writers, and facilitators for a week of performances, workshops, and cultural exchange.

The Slam Jam Finale, emceed by Quaz Roodt, featured five finalists, Belita Andre, Karabo Bopape, Tiisetso Maeane, Tshepo Molefe, and Bhengu, who performed before a panel of judges including Olive Olusegun (SA), Nick Makoha (Uganda/UK), and Luleka Mhlanzi (SA). After a series of eliminations, Bhengu claimed the top spot, with Maeane and Andre taking second and third place, respectively.

Bhengu, who last performed in 2018, described his return to the stage as both “validating” and “humbling.” Reflecting on his hiatus, he said, “Writer’s block is only a moment and not forever.” His winning performance explored themes of identity, poverty, and motherhood, resonating deeply with the audience and judges alike.

“Slamming has always had a special place in my heart,” Bhengu said.

“It’s a space that has nurtured some of the most breathtaking poetry and poets over the past three decades. Being welcomed back and crowned champion in such a prestigious event is something I don’t take lightly.”

In addition to the title, Bhengu received an R20 000 cash prize, an international poetry trip, and the honour of representing South Africa at the 2026 World Poetry Slam Championships, which will be hosted by Poetry Africa in Durban.

The festival also spotlighted emerging talent and industry development. Highlights included a copyright workshop led by Katlego Gabashane, the launch of the Poetry Comedy Storytelling Council’s KwaZulu-Natal programme, and the SAIDE Scholar Session featuring original “I Am” poems by Siyaphumelela Scholars. Rising star Naledi Mafole won the Poetry Africa Chalkboard Slam, while the UJ Arts Academy’s theatrical production Two Sides of the Same Coin, directed by Xolani Mbhele, earned standing ovations.

Ismail Mahomed, director of the Centre for Creative Arts, expressed gratitude to the festival’s supporters, including the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, the National Lotteries Commission, and international partners such as the French Institute of South Africa and the Ukrainian Institute.

As Durban prepares to host the 30th edition of Poetry Africa and the 2026 World Poetry Slam Championships, literature lovers are encouraged to mark their calendars for 5–10 October 2026; when the city once again celebrates its status as a UNESCO City of Literature.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE