POETS

Makhosazana Xaba is an anthologist, essayist, poet and writer of short stories. Her poetry has been anthologised widely and translated into isiXhosa, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, SeTswana and Turkish and her edited anthologies have been translated into Spanish. She holds and MA in Creative Writing (with distinction) from Wits University. She grounds her work on feminist politics. Publications Poetry Collections The Alkalinity of Bottled Water (2019) These hands (2017 & 2005) Tongues of their Mothers (2008) As compiler and editor Our Words Our Worlds, Writing on Black South African Women Poets, 2000-2018 (2019) Like the untouchable wind: an anthology of poems (2016) Short Stories Running and Other Stories (2013) Co-edited volumes Queer Africa: Selected Stories (2018 Queer Africa: New Stories (2017) Proudly Malawian: Life Stories from Lesbian and Gender nonconforming Individuals (2015) Queer Africa: New and Collected Fiction (2013)

Zena Velloo John has authored two mystical poetry anthologies, “Beyond Spice” (Poets Printery, 2016) and “Sanctum” (2022). When not traversing intercontinental events, she transcends realms to touch eternity. Her coordinates are www.zenavelloo.co.za and www.sacredfeminine.co.za.

Raphael d’Abdon is Honorary Research Fellow at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and South Africa’s representative of the AHN (Africa Haiku Network).

Poet, children’s author and Junior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics at Unisa. I spend a little time every day fishing for stars and weaving their light into words. I hold a BA Language degree, an Honours degree in General Linguistics, and am completing my Masters in Linguistics, with a focus on Cognitive Linguistics. I am passionate about working with children and young people, helping them explore the kaleidoscope of possibilities the world holds, develop their potential, and see themselves for the eternal, magnificent beings they are.

Katleho Kano Shoro is a South African artist-scholar. Her work comprises creative writing, editing, research, workshop facilitation, project management and guest-lecturing. This author of the poetry collection, Serurubele, has performed and participated in literary festivals across South Africa and internationally. Since 2017, Shoro has been a member of ZAPP fulfilling multiple roles including: resident poet, workshop facilitator, conference presenter and researcher.

Toni Giselle Stuart is a poet, performer & spoken word educator, who is published & performs both locally & internationally. She is a 2013 Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African. She has an MA Writer/Teacher (Distinction) from Goldsmiths, University of London, where she was a 2014/2015 Chevening Scholar. She was the founding curator of Poetica, at Open Book Festival. Recordings and images Website: www.tonistuart.comPatreon page: www.patreon.com/tonistuartInstagram: tonigiselle_official

Malika Ndlovu’s words and productions have appeared on pages and stages all over South Africa and across the globe. Her contribution to South African arts, culture and poetry specifically, spans over 25 years. Having published five poetry collections and two plays, produced numerous poetry events, this trans-disciplinary artist holds “healing through creativity” as her mantra and thrives on collaboration.