HARK AT THIS LADY POET!

Take a lovely young female librarian who is very much in touch with her roots and celebrates the world of arts and culture, especially poetry. Lindiwe Damane is a cultured, performing poet with an African touch. Talking about how it all began for her, she explains: “I developed an interest in writing when I was in High School in 2006, my English teacher would give us poems to read; thereafter my love for poetry started there.” Although still very young at the time, she experienced some frustrations along the way. “Then I would write just for fun and no one would read my work, hardly anybody even knew that I wrote poems. In 2009 I would write occasionally... eventually I stopped writing. “

Now working at the Bloemfontein Public Library, inevitably she met the powerful poet and author, Charmaine Kolwane Mrwebi who was to somewhat take her under her wing.”I met Charmaine in 2011 who went on to play a crucial role in my life. She inspired me a lot with her work. Here is a young black lady so committed to writing; an author with her first book available in some of the best Universities in the world, including in America. She would always encourage me to write. She would take me to poetry sessions and writer's organization meetings and workshops.” Charmaine’s efforts bore fruit, and now Lindiwe herself is establishing herself as an enthusiastic, talented performer. “Charmaine revived something inside me that almost died. I started writing again and it has never felt so good. I write poems in English and my home language (IsiXhosa).” Lindiwe expands her horizons by reading the poetry, and books of other established writers. She says: “One of my favourite poets is Ntsiki Mazwai. My local favourite writers are Charmaine Mrwebi, Hector Kunene, O Bolaji, and last but not least Ntate ‘Magic’ – who can die for poetry! (laughs)”