Young poet Ndlovu takes ‘Ubuntu’ onto global stage

With two records to his credit, poet and writer Mthulisi Ndlovu (pictured) is no longer a rookie in Zimbabwe’s literature spaces. in 2017, he launched an 18-page Ndebele poem entitled uBuntu Nqaba Ngqo (uBuntu Above All), which currently stands as the longest isiNdebele poem.

At 51 pages, another of his poems set a global record in 2019, as the longest poem ever published in Zimbabwean literature. titled Ubuntu (The Raw truth Unravelled), the poem is undoubtedly the longest poetic assertion of Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is an African cultural expression of humanity in the interests of building and maintaining a community with justice and mutual caring.

Currently based in Europe, the poet, also known as KhuluGatsheni, says his biggest flex has been growing up with a strong ambiance of Ubuntu. Born in Plumtree in the Bulilima Mangwe district, Ndlovu has a deep urge to write and narrate tales that aim to uplift and free the untamed oasis of rich African tales. Using poetry as a medium, he explores obscure intellectual realms while maintaining socio-political and economic relevance.

The multilingual author, who is fluent in six languages, including Deutsch, has made significant progress in the international market. he previously travelled to Estonia with other young people from around the world as part of the Erasmus project, an innovative community development program initiated by the European Union.

his literary achievements have elevated and firmly established his writing profile. in addition to working with renowned and well-respected authors and artists like the late legendary playwright Cont Mhlanga, historian Phathisa Nyathi, and Philani Nyoni, his works continue to march through academic corridors marking a permanent spot in the Zimbabwean indigenous academic landscape.

Izinkondlo ezinhlobonhlobo, an anthology of poems that Ndlovu co-authored with Monica Nkomo, Norman Sikapila, Moketsi Nkomo and a number of other local poets, is being used by the Zimbabwe School Examination Council as an O-level Ndebele set book for Continuous Assessment Learning Activities.

Although he sometimes writes in English,

Ndlovu told IndependentXtra that writing in indigenous languages has always been his number one priority.

“Writing in English is indeed a noble and commendable idea; however neglecting our own traditional languages is equal to abandoning our identity and who we truly are as a people,” Ndlovu said.

Besides his involvement in sustainable youth programmes, Ndlovu also gets invites from schools to teach children about his culture, heritage and the Ndebele language in particular, as well as some traditional and modern songs from Zimbabwe.

“For me, this has not only been a great experience, but also a learning curve as i continue to get exposed to different cultures and environments. Cultural exchange is the greatest way to foster and encourage integration and general tolerance,” he said.

Growing up, he says his passion and enthusiasm for indigenous knowledge has always been strong and well-defined so much that he claims that his peers would frequently make fun of the way he spoke Ndebele.

however, Ndlovu urged young people to keep working hard in mastering vernacular languages since there is no shame in them, but pride and honour.

he is also the author of a book written during the earliest days of the coronavirus pandemic titled Politicking (Lockdown Memoirs From Within). The book fearlessly confronts the heavy-handedness of government on its citizens, while advocating for social justice and liberties.

“As a young poet, seeing my name among some of the country’s legends, who are undeniably idols of continental value and honour, just humbles and motivates me to keep on creating. They truly are the custodians of indigenous knowledge, culture and heritage,” he said.