Martyred and immortalised,
Your fierce pen
and mighty stance
made a kingdom quake.
When they turfed out your breath
In that stranglehold
They sought to stall and steal
Your soul
Your thought
Your voice.
Now your ghost stalks
The world’s conscience
And haunts their days.
Makhanda Senzangakhona is the nome de guerre and pen name for Paul Oupa Serekele Ramachela. The author has retained the use of both names because he does not wish to be lost to his comrades nor become an alien to his family, and relations. Previously published poems, short stories and other narratives have appeared in the following publications, amongst others, Staff Rider, Rixaka, Mayibuye, Mrabulo and Black Letter Media-Poetrypotion.
The author has served in various roles in and outside SA; until recently he was a senior public servant