Siphokazi Jonas


Siphokazi Jonas is a South African poet, playwright, performer, and producer known for her exploration of cultural identity, gender-based violence, and linguistic diversity through various art forms. She has gained both national and international recognition for her contributions to literature and the performing arts.

Early life and education

Siphokazi Jonas pursued higher education at the University of Cape Town, earning a Master's degree in English Literature and a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and English.

Career

Poetry and literature
In September 2024, Jonas published her debut poetry collection, Weeping Becomes a River, through Penguin Random House South Africa. The collection delves into themes of linguistic and cultural alienation, drawing from her experiences as a Black learner in former Model C schools during the 1990s and early 2000s. It also weaves together elements of poetry and the traditional storytelling form of intsomi.
Weeping Becomes a River received critical acclaim and was selected as one of Brittle Papers 100 Notable African Books of 2024. Renowned poet Gabeba Baderoon praised the collection, stating: "I was breathless after reading this collection. It is exquisite, courageous, energizing, boundary-scaling, mesmerizing, moving."
Theatre and film
Jonas co-wrote and co-produced the stage production and poetry short film #WeAreDyingHere, which addresses the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in South Africa. The film debuted at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles and was nominated for Best Narrative Short. It later won the South African Film and Television Award for Best Short Film in 2022. The film is available for streaming on Showmax.
The production has been praised for its raw portrayal of the impact of violence, harassment, abuse, rape, and femicide on daily life. Director Shane Vermooten commented on the film's significance, noting: "History is being made in this collaboration between poetry, stage and film, and the SAFTA win is a sign that the world is ready for a film of this nature."

Performances and international recognition

In 2016, Jonas became the first African poet to perform at Rhetoric, the world's largest poetry event held annually in Los Angeles.

Advocacy and educational work

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Jonas is committed to social justice and education. She has been involved in initiatives aimed at making STEM subjects more engaging for young students through poetry, including a project in South America. She has also performed at various festivals, such as the Open Book Festival, Naked Word Festival, Word and Sound International Youth Festival, and the Poetry Africa festival.

Awards and honours

Selected works

Poetry collectionsWeeping Becomes a River
Theatre and film
  • ''WeAreDyingHere''