Tongues of their mothers

Makhosazana Xaba's poems are drawn from situations of contemporary South African life and are filled with topical and familiar references. Her poems question the structure of South African society and contemporary racial and gender divisions. Although written by one with an obvious gift for words, this is not obscure poetry penned from a linguistic ivory tower. Rather, it is the poetry of everyday life, filled with the fresh juice of observant wit, with a twist of lemon on the side. What makes Xaba's voice unique is her genuine originality and strong confidence to think for herself.