On Saturday legendary musician and people's poet Mzwakhe Mbuli received a lifetime achievement award after three decades as an entertainer.
The award was given by KaMavuso Verse Entertainment at the Playhouse in Durban, South Africa.
The aim was to honour the People's Poet and the way he has inspired the youth of South Africa.
He was praised for his contribution to fighting the apartheid government with his poetry.
"I'm so thankful and my heart is filled with joy today. Little did I know that I was such an example and inspiration to so many people. I don't have enough words to thank the people who planned this. I'm so humbled," said the entertainer.
"When my house in Soweto was bombed by the apartheid government and I was beaten up and sent to prison I felt weak, but former president Nelson Mandela wrote me a very encouraging letter saying I should continue writing educational poems," he said.
Mzwakhe is from Dumbe in northern KZN, but his family moved to Soweto in the 1960s due to the Group Areas Act.
He started writing and producing music in 1980. He could not bury his three brothers because he was under arrest at the time.
He has written many poems including Before Dawn, Unbroken Spirit, Africa, Mbulism, Voice of Reason and People Choose, the poem that got him arrested.
At the event the poet read People Choose, Voice of Reason and Ukufa Akufi, which left people keen for more.
Bongani Mavuso said: "Mbuli is a hero, especially to poets. We salute him for paving the way. We grew up listening to his poems and saw it as important to thank him while he's alive."
- Dailysun
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