The Poet, Editor and Classicist from South Africa

"I never believed I would be here, and then it happened, so I think just playing with this possibility of dreaming, putting myself out there and applying for things just to see what happens is important. It is all part of the journey at the end of the day."

Sihle Ntuli was in Western Australia from 2 September to 1 November.

On a Thursday evening in a cozy room in Lawson Flats, Sihle Ntuli read a series of poems from his latest book Zabalaza Republic. The audience watched and uttered small hums of acknowledgment when he said something that resonated with them. Through his words, Sihle explored “black alienation resulting from collisions with the white world”, his Zulu roots and Western imposition on African culture.

But how did a poet, editor and classicist from South Africa come all the way to Perth to read poetry?

“I was about to head to the gym, so I was on my way out. And then, I received an email notification on my phone. I didn’t go to the gym that day,” said Sihle.

The notification he received that morning was a congratulations email for winning the 2024 Patricia Kailis Fellowship. Funded by Dr George Kailis, the fellowship aims to support the work of talented individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to ideas and practices that foster belonging and better cross-cultural understanding, deepen and broaden the literary culture in Western Australia, and offer emerging writers access to writers of international reputation. Winning this fellowship meant he had to travel across the Indian Ocean to Western Australia.

“I felt very surprised and overwhelmed with joy. The fact that you get to go to a different country as well was a good feeling. It was just a big surprise overall.”

On 2 September, Sihle arrived on Australian soil for the first time after many hours on a plane. Throughout his two months here, he formed his impressions of Perth and Centre for Stories.

“Centre for Stories is more like a tight-knit group, almost like a family, which was an interesting contrast to the city, where it felt like everyone was just on their way, making their path through life. At Centre for Stories, there is a sense of community, and people really do make time just to hear each other out and tell their stories.”

Sihle facilitated three events during his time: a workshop, a poetry reading, and a conversation with renowned author and storyteller Sisonke Msimang.

*Sihle received his MA in Classical Civilisations from Rhodes University.*

“That was my highlight. Sisonke is very well-known back home, and just the experience of talking to another South African in Australia made me feel at home. The fact that she was from South Africa helped dissect what I was saying when I wasn’t making too much sense for the audience as well, which was very helpful.”

During his time in Perth, Sihle also worked on his manuscript, which he hopes to finish soon.

“That’s the main thing I will be focusing on. But there are another couple of things I am working on with other writers. I have taken a new role, almost as a mentor, so I am helping people publish their own collections. Ultimately what awaits me for the future is more hard work.”

He also feels grateful as the experience showed him the need to seek similar opportunities—a realisation he will be taking with him back to South Africa.

“Aside from the stuff of poets like the streets and the people, I think I am also taking home a new awareness to dream and see where my art can take me. I learned to take more chances and risks. I never believed I would be here, and then it happened, so I think just playing with this possibility of dreaming, putting myself out there and applying for things just to see what happens is important. It is all part of the journey at the end of the day.”

Written by Camila Egusquiza Santa Cruz.

About the Patricia Kailis International Writing Fellowship

The Patricia Kailis International Writing Fellowship is open to writers living outside Australia. It is a residency based at the Centre for Stories in Perth, Western Australia.

Dr Patricia Kailis was a highly respected doctor, academic, astute businesswoman, community leader and philanthropist. The matriarch of the Kailis pearling and fishing family, Dr Kailis was also a remarkable medical researcher who lay the groundwork for the identification of genes related to certain diseases. She was a support to, and mentor of, women who aspired to achieve the heights of their profession and in turn becoming a support for the community. She had a deep interest in issues impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Dr Kailis was committed to the arts in all its diversity and in the opportunity for individual and communal expression.

The Patricia Kailis International Writing Fellowship has been made possible with the generous donation of her son Dr George Kailis.

For reproduction and distribution of this article, please contact Centre for Stories.

This interview was published in 11 November 2024.