Contemporary Botswana poetry

Jen Hamilton-Emery (2008) editor

Wild Berries Inside and Behind the Yard: An Anthology of Contemporary Botswana Poetry is a joint publication between the British Council and Books Botswana resulting from The New Authors Competition initiative. The anthology contains poems by nine poets. The poets are Gaopotlake Duncan Mongwaketse, whose winning entry, is Guided Lessons in the Park. He has contributed other poems too. The other poets honoured are: Tshepo Tilia Thupa, Betty Sethunya Norkjaer, Godfrey Ntuluki, Rebaone Maradona Moiketsi, Abednico-Kay K Chetelo, Snr, Fatima Natalie Jackson, Tjawangwa "TJ" Dema, and Waff Elliot Nkhwanana.

The book begins with an introduction by Jacob Sam-la Rose, followed by the Winner's acknowledgement by Mongwaketse. Then follows Mongwaketse's winning poem Guided Lessons in the Park; two runner up poems, headed Highly Commended, being Thupa's SMS to Mama; and Norkjaer's African Rain and then a section with more poems under the heading The Rest of the Best of Contemporary Botswana Poetry and finally a section entitled Meet the Poets.

Editor's Comment
Inspect the voters' roll!

The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up