Reflections on the post-apartheid poetry of MV Shai

Abstract

This article aims at addressing the repercussions of the first democratic elections of the Republic of South Afiica as expressed in an anthology entitled Pitša ya theto (The pot of poetry) (1998). The 27th April 1994 is regarded as an important landmark in South African history. It was for the first time that the disadvantaged and under-privileged citizens of the country were given the opportunity to express their democratic rights by casting a vote. This resulted in a complete change in all spheres of life for both black and white South Africans. However, for many blacks, it appears as if their hopes and expectations for post-apartheid freedom were unduly raised while some white people still resist change.