QONCE– Words have the power to heal, provoke and empower and in this small town, a new voice in literature is making its mark. Akhona Kewuti (26), a self-published author and scriptwriter from KwaLini location in Qonce, is rapidly gaining attention for her fearless storytelling and unwavering focus on social justice.
Kewuti’s writing journey began unexpectedly in 2010, when her primary school principal the late Brenda Bukelwa Joyi, introduced the Soul Buddyz Club. Learners were encouraged to create poems, drawings and videos for points, and for Kewuti, poetry became more than just a project it became a calling.
More than a decade later, Kewuti has turned that early passion into a thriving career. After earning her Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology and Political Studies from Walter Sisulu University and pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Politics at the University of South Africa (UNISA), she continues to sharpen her voice as both a writer and advocate for social justice.
Her breakthrough came in 2023 with the release of her debut poetry collection, We Bleed. This hard-hitting book of 56 poems does not shy away from the raw realities of trauma, grief, and survival. It speaks directly to those who have ‘bled out in the wild‘ isolated, wounded, yet still fighting to rise again.
The collection has struck a deep chord with readers, resonating with those who understand the weight of survival. Kewuti emphasized that, “The purpose of this book is to provoke uncomfortable conversations and give different perspectives on everyday issues. I hope each and every one of you finds a piece you relate to, a poem that tells your story.” However, the book demanded more than creativity it required immense courage.
Furthermore Kewuti immersed herself in the stories of crime victims and watched documentaries on trauma to ensure that her writing carried depth, authenticity and truth. The result is a collection that is both haunting and healing.
We Bleed has already sparked powerful conversations around pressing societal issues, including gender-based violence and femicide (GBV-F), homophobia, homicide and discrimination. Kewuti also uses her social media platforms to amplify these issues, demonstrating that her pen is not only for art but also for advocacy.
“I am just getting started,” Kewuti said confidently. Currently, Kewuti is working on her first novel, which is set to launch later this year. Like her poetry, the novel promises to be as unflinching and thought-provoking as the themes she tackles.
For Kewuti, writing is not just storytelling it is a tool for healing, a platform for truth and a voice for those who have been silenced.
