The December issue of Poetry International celebrates the works of four notable South African poets, Lucas Malan, Robert Berold, Mongane Wally Serote, and Yvette Christiansë.
These gifted writers have keenly observed the world we inhabit, its dehumanising politics, the shifting landscape of its history and the schizoid geography of its psyche. The poets paint in nuanced tones the eccentrics and ordinary folk who people this land, exploding the conventions and subverting our assumptions.
Their numerous works, published locally and internationally, over many years represent dozens of books and hundreds of poems. The voices represented here speak with directness and elegance, wit and insight to the inner terrain of memory and the outer experiences peculiar to South African existence.
The poets represented in this issue have also contributed significantly to the development of international awareness of South African art and culture, the preservation of its languages and history, and the development of its writers. In their various and overlapping capacities as teachers, editors, publishers and mentors they have encouraged and supported the growth of South African literature, nurturing emerging artists and keeping the flame of language alive.
It is a delight and privilege to bring their work to light.
Liesl Jobson
National Editor
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