Durban – Zewande BK Bhengu has been crowned the South African Slam Poetry Champion for 2025.
After a week brimming with performances, workshops, and sector collaboration, Bhengu secured the prestigious title at the 29th Poetry Africa festival.
The slam poetry competition, hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, was held at Seabrooke’s Theatre, concluding on Saturday, 11 October 2025.
MC Quaz Roodt led the Slam Jam Finale, which featured five finalists: Belita Andre, Karabo Bopape, Tiisetso Maeane, Tshepo Molefe, and Zewande BK Bhengu, performing before judges Olive Olusegun (SA), Nick Makoha (Uganda/UK), and Luleka Mhlanzi (South Africa).
After the eliminations, Bhengu emerged victorious, with Tiisetso Maeane in second place and Belita Andre in third.
Bhengu noted that his last performance was in 2018, seven years ago, emphasizing that his return to poetry signifies that “writer’s block is merely a temporary phase.”
His work deeply explores themes of identity, the implications of poverty, and the significance of mothers.
When reflecting on his feelings after winning the title, Bhengu expressed: “It felt affirming, humbling, and a bit awkward.”
He added, “Having been away from the Slam Poetry arena for a significant part of the past decade, my choice to return was not made lightly.
I worried about competing against younger poets who had been perfecting their skills while I was away, and I had doubts about my abilities and whether I still had what it takes, alongside fears of possibly winning.
“Of course, I also grappled with the Bazothini-Abantu (What will people say?) syndrome.
“Being welcomed back so warmly and being named champion at the country’s premier poetry slam was incredibly affirming, and I truly value that.”
He further expressed his thoughts on the competition: “Slam poetry has always been dear to me.
“It has fostered my development as a writer and performer.
“I believe it plays a vital role in the poetry landscape, having birthed some of the most extraordinary poets and poetry for nearly three decades.
“The Poetry Africa Slam Jam highlighted this, drawing remarkable writers from all over South Africa.
“Every effort is aimed at uplifting the crème de la crème, and I genuinely respect that.”
Bhengu encourages aspiring poets to “establish a clear objective and ensure that every choice aligns with that goal.”
He concludes the festival with a cash prize of R20,000, an opportunity for an international poetry trip, and will represent South Africa during the World Championship hosted by Poetry Africa in 2026.
Throughout the festival, over 100 poets, writers, and facilitators engaged in both in-person and virtual sessions.
Alongside sold-out events, the program invested in industry expertise.
A DALRO workshop led by Katlego Gabashane offered practical insights into copyright and creative rights, while the Poetry Comedy Storytelling Council (PoeComSto) introduced its KwaZulu-Natal initiative, which includes a Data Mapping Project and new platforms to enhance collaboration in the creative economy.
Other highlights included the SAIDE Scholar Session, supported by the Kresge Foundation, where Siyaphumelela Scholars presented their original I Am poems.
This partnership between SAIDE and Poetry Africa continues to empower young voices and inspire change through storytelling.
Upcoming talent Naledi Mafole triumphed at the Poetry Africa Chalkboard Slam. Audiences were captivated by the theatrical production Two Sides of the Same Coin by the UJ Arts Academy, directed by Xolani Mbhele. The show received accolades, showcasing the exceptional talent and commitment of the student performers.
During the festival’s closing ceremony, Ismail Mahomed, director of the Centre for Creative Arts at UKZN, conveyed his gratitude to the numerous sponsors who contributed to this year’s success.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal, the Centre for Creative Arts, and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sports, Arts and Culture remain dedicated to the arts and various festivals.
Support from the National Lotteries Commission and the University of Johannesburg Arts and Culture Centre was immensely appreciated.
A heartfelt thank you to the French Institute of South Africa, Creative Spill, the Ivory Coast Embassy, the Embassy of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Institute for facilitating the involvement of international poets, broadening the festival’s global reach.
The 30th edition in 2026 will feature the World Poetry Slam Championships, with poetry enthusiasts encouraged to save the dates for 5 to 10 October 2026, as Durban reaffirms its status as a UNESCO City of Literature.
