Rooted in Africa, Driven by Impact: SA Slam Poets in the Spotlight
In the midst and spirit of Africa Month celebrated in May, the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) stands proudly at the forefront of advancing Pan-African knowledge and reshaping the Humanities and Social Sciences.
The NIHSS has been instrumental in driving scholarship, research and ethical practice in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences across public universities.
UKZN’s Dr Ismail Mahomed, an NIHSS-supported Project Leader at UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts, co-compiled Hashtag Poetry which is an insightful literary anthology featuring 24 years of archival reflections from the Poetry Africa Festival.
The hashtag has emerged as the powerful voice of the 21st century, uniting communities in action for justice and raising awareness on a global scale.
This collection of poetry harnesses the strength of hashtags, transforming individual tragedies into collective movements that resonate far and wide.
Published by UKZN Press and co-compiled by Ms Siphindile Hlongwa and Ms Tracey Saunders, Hashtag Poetry features the compelling voices of South African slam poets responding to critical movements such as #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, #JusticeForNathaniel, and #AmINext.
These extraordinary works intertwine personal narratives with broader struggles, affirming how poetry serves as a vital channel for justice, remembrance and resistance.
In the collection, Mahomed contributes to the literary and performing arts cultural memory, amplifying voices of resistance, and advancing socially engaged storytelling.
Discover more about the collection here.
#AfricaMonth2025 #RootedInAfricaDrivenByImpact #NIHSS #HumanitiesForChange #PanAfricanVoices
Words: NdabaOnline
Photograph: Supplied
