The people's pen

UCT student Siyabonga Njica is perhaps most well-known for the poem he recited at the start of UCT's 2013 march against violence. Below is an excerpt from another of his poems – this time about education – which he delivered at a 2012 Humanities event.

"My head is constantly looking down Timid to even make a sound But I know maths is not the end Yes, figures and I are distant friends It's not hate but rather shame How numbers conclude the expressions on my face

Time stands still during her gruelling lessons The blackboard's moving, bullying my innermost conceptions Annoyed, I would table my confession: Mathematics is for the white man

If not, then why do I not understand? At school we are judged by how well we can solve for x As if x reflects the individuals we are to become next I am perplexed by the system Which sets demands and does not listen To our yearning voices just because we are children Children of wisdom, challenging the system"

View more of his work on his website.