Words are an expression of the heart’s intention and have the power to heal and comfort those who receive them as well as those who express them. The AVBOB Poetry competition gives every South African an opportunity to express themselves and comfort their fellow man in their native language.
To bring this poetry project to life, AVBOB launched a website completely devoted to South African poetry – http://www.avbobpoetry.co.za/. – on 18 July 2017. On 1 August 2018, the second year of the competition was launched and the results have been outstanding. All 11 official languages are accepted. Last year two poems per language, first and second place, where published in a 100-poem print anthology.
But, as always, it’s the stories behind the stats and the people behind the poems – that matter most. Like the poets who posted praise for the project’s inclusivity: “What is amazing news is that one of South Africa’s first nation languages, Khoe khoe, is included [in the anthology]. Kai gangans or thank you to AVBOB for acknowledging our Khoe people.”
The competition is open to all irrespective of age, background and race. So, let your words heal, comfort and open you up to endless road of opportunity. Seize your opportunity to be seen and heard, touch thousands of lives, and even be rewarded with one of the coveted AVBOB Poetry prizes. You simply need to register your profile and submit your poem(s) online.
Competitions close on the 30th of November 2018
For more information on the AVBOB poetry competition and how to submit your poem for adjudication, visit http://www.avbobpoetry.co.za/.