Symbolism in the poetry of S.M. Burns-Ncamashe

In the introductory part of this article it is attempted to define the concept “symbolism”. This article examines the use of symbols and the symbolism embedded in the poetry of S.M. Burns- Ncamase. The symbols to be investigated include those alluding to authority, grief, witchcraft, good motherhood and strength. The aim of the discussion is to reveal the nature of the specific symbols the poet uses and the domains of reality that he explores and represents by means of certain symbols. The poetry of Burns-Ncamashe to be considered in the ensuing discussion includes poems in the following volumes: Masibaliselane (1961), Izibongo zakwaSesile (1979) and those found in Tonjeni (1959). Poems on tapes (see T(XH/93)28, T(XH/90)317, T(XH/90)322 and T(XH/96)5) will also be considered for this discussion, as well as the unpublished poem “Aa! Dalubuhle”. In the concluding section a brief summary of the discussion and some findings are highlighted

The symbolic significance of P.T. Mtuze’s poem 'Isinagogo' in <i>Uyavuth’ umlilo</i>

This article examines the symbols used by P.T. Mtuze in the poem, “Isinagogo”, which is contained in “Uyavuth’ umlilo” (1990). The symbols used in the poem include “isinagogo” (the black barbet), “amavukuthu” (the doves), “izadunge” (the dirty water ponds) and “umphathi wamavukuthu” (the master of the doves). In the discussion it will be illustrated how these symbols represent Nelson Mandela when he was a prisoner, the South African Police, the then State President of South Africa, P.W. Botha, and Robben Island. However, before the actual discussion of the symbols, an attempt will be made to define the concept of symbolism

Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela: Personality traits as depicted in selected isiXhosa poetry

This article investigates the depiction of Nelson Mandela&rsquo;s personality traits in selected isiXhosa poetry. The aspects of Mandela&rsquo;s personality that feature prominently include his bravery, determination, humility, goodness, peace, and tactical skills. The theoretical framework that underpins this study will be discussed briefly after the introductory section. A short note on Mandela will be provided before a discussion is presented of the concept of personality in general and of Mandela&rsquo;s personality traits in particular. The poetry works that are considered in this discussion include those by Sitole, Mkiva and Mtuze in Mtuze and Kaschula (1993); Satyo (1998); Ndlazulwana in Gebeda (1994); Shasha (1994); Nyamende in Nyamende, Dladloti, Hoho, Magibisela and Nkanunu (1995); Xozwa in Luwaca and Qamata (1995); Mbovane (2003), and Madlebe and Moto in Moropa (2005). Apart from a discussion of the personality traits of Nelson Mandela, the importance of the linguistic elements used in the depiction of these traits, will also be pointed out. The discussion of these elements will be integrated throughout the study.S.Afr.J.Afr.Lang.,2008,

Ideophones as used in W. Shasha’s Zihlabana Nje Ziyalamba

This article examines the use of ideophones in the poetry of W. Shasha that is contained in the anthology Zihlabana nje ziyalamba (1992). As Shasha uses ideophones of different structures, this article will illustrate how the poet uses monosyllabic, disyllabic, tri-syllabic and quadri-syllabic ideophones. The concept of ideophones and the significance and effect of these ideophones on Shasha&rsquo;s poetry will be highlighted in the discussion.S.Afr.J.Afr.Lang.,2007,