Being a better human: in conversation with Angifi Dladla

Abstract

In 2017, the South African poet Angifi Dladla released his second collection of poetry, Lament for Kofifi Macu, published by Deep South Press. This follows a hiatus of 11 years since the publishing of his debut work The Girl who then Feared to Sleep & Other Poems. The new collection marks a departure from several aspects of Dladla’s previous works but continues his uncompromisingly critical gaze at the structure and personalities of contemporary South African politics. With the perceived promise of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “New Dawn” still fresh in the minds of many, will hopes for a successful post-apartheid future once again gain prominence or is South Africa destined to continue its struggle with economic inequality, racial tensions and squandered opportunities for years to come? Speaking to Tom Penfold after the release of Lament, Dladla gives his views on this question, his latest release, and his views on the future of poetry in South Africa.

Notes

Notes

1 Necklacing was a form of execution used by the UDF. The victim was stoned, hacked with machetes, and forced to drink “juice” (petrol or diesel) before being doused with “juice” and having a tire rammed around their neck. They were then set ablaze. Onlookers often proceeded to dance around the flaming victim while singing “Sya motha” (“We’re basking in his flame”).

1 The Venda Building Society (VBS) Mutual Bank is black-owned bank that was established in 1982 and is registered with the South African Reserve Bank. Black citizens, particularly the poor, their burial societies, community organizations and others were encouraged to make deposits to VBS and become shareholders. Personal loans, home and motor car finance loans were given to be repaid over a certain amount of time. Only the municipalities were forbidden by the National Treasury to invest because they could demand back their money overnight. However, by early 2015 the municipalities had invested ZAR 1.5 billion and other individuals had invested ZAR 1.4 billion. Due to mismanagement between March 2015 and June 2018 loans were offered gratuitously to 53 individuals including notable politicians, many of whom did not repay theirs. Subsequent reports suggest that Vele Investment, the main shareholder was receiving ZAR 400 000 per month after tax deductions. The Venda king has also been accused of receiving ZAR 300 000, a helicopter, cars, and a townhouse in Johannesburg. The bank is now under a curatorship.

3 Red Ants are a private security company so called because of the red overalls and helmets they wear. They are hired to evict the homeless from illegally occupied buildings or houses, and they also demolish shacks from vacant lands.

4 Esidimeni means a centre that brings back dignity to the mentally ill. For over fifty years, Life Esidimeni Healthcare Centre had been offering chronic mental health care services to the Department of Health. In 2016, MEC Qedani Mahlangu terminated the Centre’s contract in a bid to save costs, instead deciding to send patients into the care of NGOs, many of which had invalid licenses. Patients were transported in buses, open bakkies, and trucks to their new places of care. At least 143 patients subsequently died of hunger, cold, dehydration, and a general lack of care.