By Katleho Malangabe
Maleshoane Mphutlane, known on stage as Ladybird, is no ordinary poet. Hailing from Botshabelo, she has captivated audiences with her lyrical prowess and emotional depth. With a rich history as a praise poet for two former Free State Premiers and a proud recipient of the Best Female Poet award, Ladybird’s journey in poetry began in 2006 during her high school years.
Now, nearly two decades later, she stands as a professional poetry performer, weaving words that resonate deeply with her listeners.
“When I was in school, I wanted to be a political scientist when I grew up, but I still believe I am a political scientist in a poetic way,” she reflects. For Ladybird, poetry is much more than art; it’s a platform for emotional expression and a way to dissect the political forces influencing lives, particularly concerning gender issues.
Her poems often focus on gender equality, driven by her passion for sharing experiences and insights that can evoke change. Ladybird envisions a world where true fairness reigns, harnessing the power of her craft to advocate for equality.
Excitement is building for the upcoming 2nd Annual Free State Veterans Poetry Festival, where Ladybird will take the stage, ready to serenade the audience with her performance.
“This will be a balance between where I started, where I am right now, and where I would want to see myself in the future,” she shares.
The festival is set to take place on 20-23 September 2025 at the Civic Theatre in Bloemfontein, and Ladybird is poised to take attendees on a poignant journey through her poetic expressions on 23 September.
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