While many young people pursue music and pageantry as their chosen talents, Nthabiseng “Black Rose” Mothibe from Thaba Nchu has fallen in love with poetry and has been a poet for over 10 years.
Nthabiseng’s passion for poetry has finally borne fruit, as she was recently announced the Mangaung District Winner in the poetry category of a provincial talent competition held by the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation on January 24 in Bloemfontein.
In this competition, she won R10,000 and advanced to the provincial finals held on February 17 at the Mmabana Cultural Centre in Thaba Nchu, where she claimed the first prize of R30,000.
Professionally recognized as a poet since 2019, Nthabiseng has been creating poetry since she was in grade 10 at Goronyane High School. Her poem “Basotho” earned her the district title, while “Basadi ba Bonono” secured her the provincial title.
She dedicated an entire week to prepare for both stages of the competition. However, since poetry is deeply embedded in her heart, the preparation came naturally.
“Poetry gives me the freedom of speech and expression. It allows me to tell my story in my own way. The competition was challenging because poets from other districts came well-prepared and gave their best, but I believed in my work and craft,” Nthabiseng emphasized.
Her commitment to her passion has been the driving force behind her success.
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