By Sizankosi
Six third-year Creative Writing students from Sol Plaatje University (SPU) travelled from Kimberley to Makhanda for a week-long research and writing retreat that brought them into contact with established South African poets, literary archives and the country’s vibrant literary community.
The retreat, held from 14 to 20 September at Firglen Farm, formed part of the students’ Creative Writing III (Poetry) module. It gave them time away from their usual academic routines to read, write, research and develop their creative voices.
The students worked with the renowned poet, editor and publisher Robert Berold, who runs the independent poetry imprint Deep South and formerly coordinated Creative Writing at Rhodes University.
Through daily freewriting, reading sessions and discussions, Berold encouraged the students to experiment with language and discover new possibilities in their writing.
In a generous gesture, he also gave each participant a book.
A highlight of the trip was a visit to Amazwi South African Museum of Literature, where the SPU students became the first undergraduate group to undertake this kind of literary research visit.
With the help of museum staff, they explored archival material on the South African writers they had chosen for their research assignments, discovering the relationship between literary history, research and creative practice.
Award-winning poet MangalisoBuzani, whose work spans isiXhosa and English, also visited the retreat to read the students’ work and give individual feedback.
The week concluded at WordFest, where the students attended readings and discussions and met writers and publishers.
Beyond the academic programme, the retreat created space for the students to build friendships, share their writing and grow in confidence.
The students returned with original creative pieces and research-informed book reviews, and their retreat writing has been compiled into a draft anthology titled Retreat Work.
Sharing her experience of the visit, one of the students MotswalediMosimanesaid: “I came back with more confidence. It really worked for me.
For SPU Creative Writing lecturer SizakeleNkosi, who organised and accompanied the trip, the experience showed the importance of taking literary education beyond the classroom.
“Young writers need opportunities to encounter literature where it is being written, researched, discussed and preserved.
These experiences help them recognise that their own voices belong within South Africa’s literary landscape.”
The retreat has also opened possibilities for future collaboration between SPU, Amazwi and established literary practitioners.
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