Deep South Publishing
@deepsouthsa.bsky.social
love and loss, memory and acts of witnessing. Faced with this rich array of work, I have made out of it a collage of many dimensions, rather than doggedly trying to pursue specific themes or approaches."
November 11, 2025 at 8:35 AM
love and loss, memory and acts of witnessing. Faced with this rich array of work, I have made out of it a collage of many dimensions, rather than doggedly trying to pursue specific themes or approaches."
Gone is the overriding, enclosing effort of concentration on a single predicament. Instead, the reader will discover outward reaching poems that record movement through time and space, experiments in language and translation, alongside enduring touchstones such as
November 11, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Gone is the overriding, enclosing effort of concentration on a single predicament. Instead, the reader will discover outward reaching poems that record movement through time and space, experiments in language and translation, alongside enduring touchstones such as
the casing of isolation to join the bustle and complexity of the turning world. Their work is charged with restlessness, bursting with diversity. Gone is the intense inward focus required to deal with a situation of systematic oppression, though awareness of that time continues to surface sharply.
November 11, 2025 at 8:35 AM
the casing of isolation to join the bustle and complexity of the turning world. Their work is charged with restlessness, bursting with diversity. Gone is the intense inward focus required to deal with a situation of systematic oppression, though awareness of that time continues to surface sharply.
~ Khadija Tracey Heeger ~ David wa Maahlamela ~ Nathan Trantraal ~ Ronelda Kamfer ~ Katharine Kilalea.
Denis Hirson (Ed.)
"South African poets today find themselves writing in the midst of uneasy political transformation, some of it neither planned nor hoped for, while spinning outwards from
Denis Hirson (Ed.)
"South African poets today find themselves writing in the midst of uneasy political transformation, some of it neither planned nor hoped for, while spinning outwards from
November 11, 2025 at 8:35 AM
~ Khadija Tracey Heeger ~ David wa Maahlamela ~ Nathan Trantraal ~ Ronelda Kamfer ~ Katharine Kilalea.
Denis Hirson (Ed.)
"South African poets today find themselves writing in the midst of uneasy political transformation, some of it neither planned nor hoped for, while spinning outwards from
Denis Hirson (Ed.)
"South African poets today find themselves writing in the midst of uneasy political transformation, some of it neither planned nor hoped for, while spinning outwards from
~ Ingrid de Kok ~ Rosamund Stanford ~ Rustum Kozain ~ Gabeba Baderoon ~ Denis Hirson ~ Joan Metelerkamp ~ Isobel Dixon ~ Finuala Dowling ~ Petra Müller ~ Toni Stuart ~ Marlene van Niekerk ~ Jim Pascual Agustin
November 11, 2025 at 8:35 AM
~ Ingrid de Kok ~ Rosamund Stanford ~ Rustum Kozain ~ Gabeba Baderoon ~ Denis Hirson ~ Joan Metelerkamp ~ Isobel Dixon ~ Finuala Dowling ~ Petra Müller ~ Toni Stuart ~ Marlene van Niekerk ~ Jim Pascual Agustin
'In the Heat of Shadows' features poems by:
Antjie Krog ~ Robert Berold ~ Karen Press ~ Vonani Bila ~ Bulelani Zantsi ~ Bongekile Mbanjwa ~ Ari Sitas ~ Keorapetse Kgositsile ~ Mongane Wally Serote ~ Jeremy Cronin ~ Mxolisi Nyezwa ~ Isabella Motadinyane ~ Gert Vlok Nel ~ Kobus Moolman ~ Kelwyn Sole
Antjie Krog ~ Robert Berold ~ Karen Press ~ Vonani Bila ~ Bulelani Zantsi ~ Bongekile Mbanjwa ~ Ari Sitas ~ Keorapetse Kgositsile ~ Mongane Wally Serote ~ Jeremy Cronin ~ Mxolisi Nyezwa ~ Isabella Motadinyane ~ Gert Vlok Nel ~ Kobus Moolman ~ Kelwyn Sole
November 11, 2025 at 8:35 AM
'In the Heat of Shadows' features poems by:
Antjie Krog ~ Robert Berold ~ Karen Press ~ Vonani Bila ~ Bulelani Zantsi ~ Bongekile Mbanjwa ~ Ari Sitas ~ Keorapetse Kgositsile ~ Mongane Wally Serote ~ Jeremy Cronin ~ Mxolisi Nyezwa ~ Isabella Motadinyane ~ Gert Vlok Nel ~ Kobus Moolman ~ Kelwyn Sole
Antjie Krog ~ Robert Berold ~ Karen Press ~ Vonani Bila ~ Bulelani Zantsi ~ Bongekile Mbanjwa ~ Ari Sitas ~ Keorapetse Kgositsile ~ Mongane Wally Serote ~ Jeremy Cronin ~ Mxolisi Nyezwa ~ Isabella Motadinyane ~ Gert Vlok Nel ~ Kobus Moolman ~ Kelwyn Sole
7/7
Our generation of writers has to contend with a less certain country and world, that is if you are thinking of the post-apartheid era, and that is part of the context that makes for searching for new ways to say things.
Our generation of writers has to contend with a less certain country and world, that is if you are thinking of the post-apartheid era, and that is part of the context that makes for searching for new ways to say things.
October 22, 2025 at 9:47 AM
7/7
Our generation of writers has to contend with a less certain country and world, that is if you are thinking of the post-apartheid era, and that is part of the context that makes for searching for new ways to say things.
Our generation of writers has to contend with a less certain country and world, that is if you are thinking of the post-apartheid era, and that is part of the context that makes for searching for new ways to say things.
6
It becomes interesting when you try to imagine a fluid barrier between the objective and the subjective, in that the stability of the “I” persona becomes affected, and voice takes on more interesting dimensions.
It becomes interesting when you try to imagine a fluid barrier between the objective and the subjective, in that the stability of the “I” persona becomes affected, and voice takes on more interesting dimensions.
October 22, 2025 at 9:47 AM
6
It becomes interesting when you try to imagine a fluid barrier between the objective and the subjective, in that the stability of the “I” persona becomes affected, and voice takes on more interesting dimensions.
It becomes interesting when you try to imagine a fluid barrier between the objective and the subjective, in that the stability of the “I” persona becomes affected, and voice takes on more interesting dimensions.
5
When I started to work in the long form, the writing achieved a conversational tone. In another phrase, the poetry loosened. Psycho-narration is about writing as if you are narrating your own psychology.
When I started to work in the long form, the writing achieved a conversational tone. In another phrase, the poetry loosened. Psycho-narration is about writing as if you are narrating your own psychology.
October 22, 2025 at 9:47 AM
5
When I started to work in the long form, the writing achieved a conversational tone. In another phrase, the poetry loosened. Psycho-narration is about writing as if you are narrating your own psychology.
When I started to work in the long form, the writing achieved a conversational tone. In another phrase, the poetry loosened. Psycho-narration is about writing as if you are narrating your own psychology.
4
Khulile Nxumalo: The poetry I was trying to write at high school reflected and imitated stuff like rhyming schemes of Petrarchan sonnets, and the tight barriers of language in the form.
Khulile Nxumalo: The poetry I was trying to write at high school reflected and imitated stuff like rhyming schemes of Petrarchan sonnets, and the tight barriers of language in the form.
October 22, 2025 at 9:47 AM
4
Khulile Nxumalo: The poetry I was trying to write at high school reflected and imitated stuff like rhyming schemes of Petrarchan sonnets, and the tight barriers of language in the form.
Khulile Nxumalo: The poetry I was trying to write at high school reflected and imitated stuff like rhyming schemes of Petrarchan sonnets, and the tight barriers of language in the form.
3
For me, the long psycho-narration poems have a montage effect and I am reminded of TS Eliot’s 'The Waste Land.' Can you tell us more about how you came to psycho narration?
For me, the long psycho-narration poems have a montage effect and I am reminded of TS Eliot’s 'The Waste Land.' Can you tell us more about how you came to psycho narration?
October 22, 2025 at 9:47 AM
3
For me, the long psycho-narration poems have a montage effect and I am reminded of TS Eliot’s 'The Waste Land.' Can you tell us more about how you came to psycho narration?
For me, the long psycho-narration poems have a montage effect and I am reminded of TS Eliot’s 'The Waste Land.' Can you tell us more about how you came to psycho narration?
2
This is a form I have grown to love more since I started preferring the long poem format that sits on a conversational tone. It’s a multi-vocal way of writing or telling stories in a less authoritative way, a kinda voice democracy in the poem.”
This is a form I have grown to love more since I started preferring the long poem format that sits on a conversational tone. It’s a multi-vocal way of writing or telling stories in a less authoritative way, a kinda voice democracy in the poem.”
October 22, 2025 at 9:47 AM
2
This is a form I have grown to love more since I started preferring the long poem format that sits on a conversational tone. It’s a multi-vocal way of writing or telling stories in a less authoritative way, a kinda voice democracy in the poem.”
This is a form I have grown to love more since I started preferring the long poem format that sits on a conversational tone. It’s a multi-vocal way of writing or telling stories in a less authoritative way, a kinda voice democracy in the poem.”
1
Gary Cummiskey: In the blurb to your first collection, 'ten flapping elbows, mama', you wrote: “I [write] what I call psycho-narration, I try to write beyond the understanding that ‘inside of one’s head’ and ‘the objective world’ are distinct worlds.
Gary Cummiskey: In the blurb to your first collection, 'ten flapping elbows, mama', you wrote: “I [write] what I call psycho-narration, I try to write beyond the understanding that ‘inside of one’s head’ and ‘the objective world’ are distinct worlds.
October 22, 2025 at 9:47 AM
1
Gary Cummiskey: In the blurb to your first collection, 'ten flapping elbows, mama', you wrote: “I [write] what I call psycho-narration, I try to write beyond the understanding that ‘inside of one’s head’ and ‘the objective world’ are distinct worlds.
Gary Cummiskey: In the blurb to your first collection, 'ten flapping elbows, mama', you wrote: “I [write] what I call psycho-narration, I try to write beyond the understanding that ‘inside of one’s head’ and ‘the objective world’ are distinct worlds.
5/5
The urgency of the 1999 event was still there, as vital as ever. Mxolisi Nyezwa wrote in his introduction to the book: “There’s little of the earlier hunger and urgency in our poetry now. Today’s poets are not angry enough. They are as disconnected as the rest of our pliable society.”
The urgency of the 1999 event was still there, as vital as ever. Mxolisi Nyezwa wrote in his introduction to the book: “There’s little of the earlier hunger and urgency in our poetry now. Today’s poets are not angry enough. They are as disconnected as the rest of our pliable society.”
October 17, 2025 at 8:27 AM
5/5
The urgency of the 1999 event was still there, as vital as ever. Mxolisi Nyezwa wrote in his introduction to the book: “There’s little of the earlier hunger and urgency in our poetry now. Today’s poets are not angry enough. They are as disconnected as the rest of our pliable society.”
The urgency of the 1999 event was still there, as vital as ever. Mxolisi Nyezwa wrote in his introduction to the book: “There’s little of the earlier hunger and urgency in our poetry now. Today’s poets are not angry enough. They are as disconnected as the rest of our pliable society.”
4
Lesego Rampolokeng ~ Dudu Saki ~ Kelwyn Sole ~ Anna Varney.
Financial constraints delayed the film editing, and the edited DVD and book was only issued 14 years later, in 2013.
Lesego Rampolokeng ~ Dudu Saki ~ Kelwyn Sole ~ Anna Varney.
Financial constraints delayed the film editing, and the edited DVD and book was only issued 14 years later, in 2013.
October 17, 2025 at 8:27 AM
4
Lesego Rampolokeng ~ Dudu Saki ~ Kelwyn Sole ~ Anna Varney.
Financial constraints delayed the film editing, and the edited DVD and book was only issued 14 years later, in 2013.
Lesego Rampolokeng ~ Dudu Saki ~ Kelwyn Sole ~ Anna Varney.
Financial constraints delayed the film editing, and the edited DVD and book was only issued 14 years later, in 2013.
3
Robert Berold ~ Vonani Bila ~ Ingrid De Kok ~ Alan Finlay ~ Richard Fox ~ Louise Green ~ Colleen Higgs ~ Allan Kolski Horwitz ~ Nosipho Kota ~ Jethro Louw ~ Joan Metelerkamp ~ Isabella Motadinyane ~ Ike Muila ~ Siphiwe ka Ngwenya ~ Mxolisi Nyezwa ~ Donald Parenzee ~
Robert Berold ~ Vonani Bila ~ Ingrid De Kok ~ Alan Finlay ~ Richard Fox ~ Louise Green ~ Colleen Higgs ~ Allan Kolski Horwitz ~ Nosipho Kota ~ Jethro Louw ~ Joan Metelerkamp ~ Isabella Motadinyane ~ Ike Muila ~ Siphiwe ka Ngwenya ~ Mxolisi Nyezwa ~ Donald Parenzee ~
October 17, 2025 at 8:27 AM
3
Robert Berold ~ Vonani Bila ~ Ingrid De Kok ~ Alan Finlay ~ Richard Fox ~ Louise Green ~ Colleen Higgs ~ Allan Kolski Horwitz ~ Nosipho Kota ~ Jethro Louw ~ Joan Metelerkamp ~ Isabella Motadinyane ~ Ike Muila ~ Siphiwe ka Ngwenya ~ Mxolisi Nyezwa ~ Donald Parenzee ~
Robert Berold ~ Vonani Bila ~ Ingrid De Kok ~ Alan Finlay ~ Richard Fox ~ Louise Green ~ Colleen Higgs ~ Allan Kolski Horwitz ~ Nosipho Kota ~ Jethro Louw ~ Joan Metelerkamp ~ Isabella Motadinyane ~ Ike Muila ~ Siphiwe ka Ngwenya ~ Mxolisi Nyezwa ~ Donald Parenzee ~
2
The 1998 performances were issued on VHS tape as "Jikaleza Train", with the text of the performances published in the New Coin June 1999 issue.
The 1999 performances were more professionally filmed. The twenty poets who participated were:
The 1998 performances were issued on VHS tape as "Jikaleza Train", with the text of the performances published in the New Coin June 1999 issue.
The 1999 performances were more professionally filmed. The twenty poets who participated were:
October 17, 2025 at 8:27 AM
2
The 1998 performances were issued on VHS tape as "Jikaleza Train", with the text of the performances published in the New Coin June 1999 issue.
The 1999 performances were more professionally filmed. The twenty poets who participated were:
The 1998 performances were issued on VHS tape as "Jikaleza Train", with the text of the performances published in the New Coin June 1999 issue.
The 1999 performances were more professionally filmed. The twenty poets who participated were:
1
In 1996, 1998 and 1999 Robert Berold, then editor of 'New Coin', organised readings and performance festivals at the National Arts Festival held in July. The 1996 readings were recorded and issued on cassette tape as "New Coin Live".
In 1996, 1998 and 1999 Robert Berold, then editor of 'New Coin', organised readings and performance festivals at the National Arts Festival held in July. The 1996 readings were recorded and issued on cassette tape as "New Coin Live".
October 17, 2025 at 8:27 AM
1
In 1996, 1998 and 1999 Robert Berold, then editor of 'New Coin', organised readings and performance festivals at the National Arts Festival held in July. The 1996 readings were recorded and issued on cassette tape as "New Coin Live".
In 1996, 1998 and 1999 Robert Berold, then editor of 'New Coin', organised readings and performance festivals at the National Arts Festival held in July. The 1996 readings were recorded and issued on cassette tape as "New Coin Live".
9/9
i never mock the drunken anger in my neighbourhood
it's the wine we drank on fridays that made us happy
the girls made us happy too
they also gave us children we never wanted or trusted
("violent seed")
i never mock the drunken anger in my neighbourhood
it's the wine we drank on fridays that made us happy
the girls made us happy too
they also gave us children we never wanted or trusted
("violent seed")
October 9, 2025 at 7:21 AM
9/9
i never mock the drunken anger in my neighbourhood
it's the wine we drank on fridays that made us happy
the girls made us happy too
they also gave us children we never wanted or trusted
("violent seed")
i never mock the drunken anger in my neighbourhood
it's the wine we drank on fridays that made us happy
the girls made us happy too
they also gave us children we never wanted or trusted
("violent seed")