Meet Kholofelo Thobejane, a young and talented poetess who is using her voice to uplift and inspire others. As a student of Performing Arts at Wits University, Kholofelo writes poems that celebrate the strength and resilience of women, particularly her mother, who has been her rock throughout her life.
Kholofelo’s poetry is a labour of love, inspired by her grandmother’s wisdom and guidance. “Rutang bana ditaola le seyeng le tsona badimong” meaning “Let the elders teach the youth the ways of doing things culturally and traditionally, and not let the ways die.” These are the words, passed down from her grandmother and have become Kholofelo’s mantra as she seeks to preserve her cultural heritage through her art.
With a passion for empowering young girls and women, Kholofelo’s poems are a testament to the power of words. Her schoolmates would often approach her, moved by her poetry, and share how it had comforted them during difficult times. “My poems are inspiring them and comforting them that it’s okay not to be okay and be able to voice things out,” she says.
Last year, Kholofelo was approached by the University of Limpopo’s marketing team to perform a poem at Sovenga Hill for Mother’s Day. The poem, dedicated to her mother and all women out there, was a heartfelt expression of appreciation and admiration. “The meaning of the poem was to voice out for the people who are sitting with restrained emotions that we are women and to all the mothers who are struggling,” she explains.
Kholofelo’s poem reflects her own life experiences, watching her mother struggle after her father’s passing. “Giving out the message that you are strong, and you should stay strong and appreciate you being part of my life and I am where I am at the stage of my life because of you,” she says. Her poem is a tribute to all the women out there who are fighting against the odds yet still manage to support and raise their children with love and care.
Her name also represents what she does out there “KHOLOFELO”, meaning hope.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, Kholofelo’s poem is a reminder of the importance of appreciating and honouring the women in our lives. Her words are a balm to the soul, offering comfort and solace to those who need it most. With her talent and passion, Kholofelo is sure to continue inspiring and empowering others through her poetry.
Picture by Kholofelo
