The symbolic significance of P.T. Mtuze’s poem 'Isinagogo' in Uyavuth’ umlilo

Abstract

This article examines the symbols used by P.T. Mtuze in the poem, “Isinagogo”, which is contained in “Uyavuth’ umlilo” (1990). The symbols used in the poem include “isinagogo” (the black barbet), “amavukuthu” (the doves), “izadunge” (the dirty water ponds) and “umphathi wamavukuthu” (the master of the doves). In the discussion it will be illustrated how these symbols represent Nelson Mandela when he was a prisoner, the South African Police, the then State President of South Africa, P.W. Botha, and Robben Island. However, before the actual discussion of the symbols, an attempt will be made to define the concept of symbolism.