Cycle of Knowledge

In July 2013, Rhodes University’s Community Engagement office held their first Nelson Mandela Trading Live Day. The event, organised by the university, invited community partners to share activities to learn from each other for 67 minutes. One of the events with lasting effects was held in the English Department. There, poets from the university (Dr. Deborah Seddon, her students and campus poetry enthusiasts) teamed up with poets and participants of the Writer’s Movement based in Joza. They have spent over a year creating, writing, learning and performing together since.

This same group now makes up the “Cycle of Knowledge”, which hosts a weekly poetry gathering, “Poetry Tuesdays”. The interview features Dr. Seddon, Thembani “Zion Eyes” Onceya and Mvuyisa “Ulizwe” Nelani.They discuss their respective experiences and the history of the group.

Apart from appreciating poetry’s artistry, the group celebrates it initiative to unify and reconcile previously separated communities. Some of the group’s challenges include adhering to their Code of Conduct, which encourages participants to allow for open platforms and acceptance of works, free from ridicule. In addition, the Writer's Movement has been recently ousted from their usual venue at Duna Library due to booking schedules and will have their new meeting space in Nombulelo Secondary School. This transition has organisers hoping that their presence in the school will encourage school children to come to experience and learn about poetry.