Poem: 'this is africa'

 this is africa

(poetry in a #stateofcapture)

 

to me home is:
in the ricochet of a hitman’s bullet
& a hospital bed after a failed hijack
in the smelly armpits of the homeless
& excitement of a #zumamustfall toyi-toyi
in the kiss of dagga-darkened lips
& strokes of state tender-stained fingers
in the unspeakable pain of rape
& noisy corners of a saxonwold shebeen
in the vulnerability of a desert rain
& the stench of a junk status rubbish bin
in the beer bellies of gupta-sponsored politicians
& ting tang of coins in a beggar’s can
in the taste of sweat & tears
& vacant stare of a taxi crash victim
in the soundless cries of hungry orphans
& senseless murder of africa's women and children

in the pro-zuma looting in kwa-zulu natal

& women baring their bottoms in support of zuma*

to me home is… africa

 

* Jacob Zuma served as the 4th President of a Democratic South Africa from 2009 until 14 February 2018. He faced significant legal challenges before and during his presidency. His rule is estimated to have cost South Africa's economy R1 Trillion (approximately US$83 Billion). He has also been implicated in reports of state capture through his friendship with the influential Gupta family. The African National Congress “recalled” Zuma as President, and he resigned on 14 February 2018, and was succeeded by Cyril Ramaphosa the next day.