THAMSANQA JOB MZAMO

History continues to record the steady progress made in the Free state in the genre of poetry at grassroots level. In the early days the likes of Gilbert Modise, Qoopane, and Mzamo were pivotal. For many pundits Thamsanqa Job Mzamo was - is - in a class of his own as a poet. His sheer passion, his commitment to verses, his syntax, imagery, effortless rhymes - all stamp him out as a great poet.

His book, Pride of my heart was published in 2001. It was also formally launched in those days, a media occasion that attracted, and was covered by etv television. Mzamo's work has got to the highest stage, caterpaulting him to international recognition - his book of poetry has been digitised by American universities, and can be consulted anytime by researchers anywhere in the world. This is another boost for African, and Free state poetry. For the quiet, immensely talented Mzamo, it is reassuring that his poetic legacy is rock-solid. REFERENCE Thoughts on Free State Writing (2002). By Omoseye Bolaji