BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – A poem about GBV!
The spike in cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) going in Eswatini and the world over, local poet Anthonimass Mabaso will tomorrow (20 December 2024) release his new poem titled ‘Umtsandze Ungambulali.’
Mabaso from Mvutjini, Ezulwini, started poetry back in high school in 2014 and he turned professional in 2019.
When asked what inspired the poem, Mabaso said, “I was inspired to write this poem due to the high number of GBV cases each and every day, and the number of women who die in the hands of men in the name of love. As a poet, I saw it as imperative to also join the government and the world at large to fight against GBV. I believe this poem will also play a big role in trying to align men to respect and love women right,”
According to the poet, the title of the poem means, if you really love a woman, you will always find a way to resolve your issues, and sort out differences, instead of killing her or hurting her. The poem also contains a warning directed to men to stop abusing women but instead to love them as well as to respect them. It also highlights the fact that in some homes they are complaining about uncles and fathers who also rape their children.
He added, “With this poem, I aim to get almost every man’s attention to say love women but do not harm them. The biggest achievement to me is seeing the GBV cases cease if not reduced at all.”
“I would like to appreciate the following people; for making this project a success, Boykid, who produced this poem, the poem visuals also have actors the likes of Given Dlamini, Gcinile Hlophe, and Tenele Ginindza, who displayed some of the stanzas from the poem.”
The poem is an offering to the nation; it is not sold. It’s free and will be made available from his socials, Facebook page (Tony Anthonimass), TikTok account (Anthonimass) and Eswatini TV from this coming Friday.
Mabaso revealed that his favourite poet is Jackie Hill Perry from the United States of America (USA) and that he would love to render his poems in the world because he believes his message is not only for Eswatini and neighbouring countries, but also the world.
