IHRAM WRITIVISM LAUREATE Mbizo Chirasha in a grand conversation with Zimbabwean Poet , Literary Arts Activist and Writer Mthulisi Ndlovu

MC: Who is Mthulisi Ndlovu and how long have you been writing?
Mthulisi Ndlovu: Mthulisi Ndlovu also known as KingKG or KhuluGatsheni is an advocate for progress, a realist and a creative bard rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu. Born in rural Plumtree and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, my work consistently reflects interconnectedness and communal advancement. I firmly believe that humanity, sanity, and community are the foundation of true societal growth.
As a philanthropist, these values extend beyond literature into my active role in community development and charity. I am the founder of The Roots Voluntary Charity Trust (TROVOCO), a charitable organization that supports underprivileged children and provides disaster relief.
I began writing at the age of 15, but at 17, encouraged by family and friends, I took myself seriously. I realized my thoughts and poetry were not just for me, they needed to be documented, preserved and shared. Writing became my way of speaking truth to power and safeguarding memory.

MC: You also work as a Publisher, Writer and Editor. How many books have you edited, published and written?
Mthulisi Ndlovu: To date, I have co-authored six books, with five more in development. As the founding CEO of Ubuntu Afro-Publishers and Media, I am committed to amplifying African voices, promoting indigenous languages, and pushing back against the erasure of African narratives. My collaborations with legendary figures such as the late Cont Mhlanga, Phathisa Nyathi, and Philani A. Nyoni continue to sharpen my commitment to authentic storytelling.
I have also co-authored the ZIMSEC O-Level IsiNdebele set book “Izinkondlo ezinhlobonhlobo,” a milestone that cemented my status as a prominent literary voice. My most acclaimed solo work, “Ubuntu: The Raw Truth Unravelled (Volume 1),” a 51-page epic poem, earned me the Global African Literary Award in 2021. This work is both poetry and manifesto—tackling leadership, religion, education, and spirituality while advancing the essence of Ubuntu.
I am also the author of POLITICKING (Lockdown Memoirs from Within), a daring collection that provoked backlash from oppressive forces and forced me into exile. That book unsettled the dark forces of tyranny, and proved that truth, even when dressed as poetry, is dangerous to the oppressor.
My recent anthology Politricks, Profits and Puppets, co-published with Grandview University in Iowa, USA, fuses protest poetry and abstract art, widening the scope of activism through literature.
Beyond my own work, I have edited and published more than 30 books for other writers around the world, especially young and emerging voices. Some of these projects have gone on to win awards, a testament to my commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers and amplifying the voices of the voiceless.

MC:. Do you write about gender rights and social justice issues?
Mthulisi Ndlovu: Indeed, i do. As a multidisciplinary creative, my commitment is to equity and justice, without apology. Gender rights and freedom of expression are at the heart of my calling. My work is not entertainment; it is testimony, it is resistance, and it is my contribution to the struggle for humanity.

MC: How long have you been in Central Europe, and what opportunities has it offered?
Mthulisi Ndlovu: I’ve been connected to European creative spaces for the past five years. Central Europe has expanded my horizons through cultural exchanges, mentorship, and artistic collaborations. Invitations from various institutions and festivals have given me a platform not only to perform, but to engage in serious dialogue around heritage, culture, and community development. These are not just opportunities—they are responsibilities to represent, to challenge, and to build bridges.

MC: How is writing, literature, and poetry appreciated in Poland?
Mthulisi Ndlovu: Poland has a strong reading culture, book cafés, libraries, and literary events are vibrant and alive. The challenge, however, lies in the language barrier. For international creatives, it can be a wall. But I see that wall as a challenge to be climbed through translation, adaptation, and resilience. Those who master the language and culture gain deeper access, but even those who don’t can still find ways to leave an imprint. Creativity, after all, speaks a universal language.

MC: Share with us your performance and festival experiences.
Mthulisi Ndlovu: I’ve been blessed to perform at festivals across the world, and each experience has been transformative. One unforgettable moment was in Estonia three years ago. It wasn’t just about performing; it was about cross-pollination of ideas with brilliant minds from different nations. We found common ground in values of community, collaboration, and resilience. Festivals remind me that poetry is not bound by borders, it is resistance, healing, and unity in motion.

MC: What should be done to revive the book industry in Zimbabwe?
Mthulisi Ndlovu: The book industry in Zimbabwe does not lack creativity, it lacks protection and vision. Government must recognize literature as a national asset and economic driver. That begins with protecting intellectual property, eradicating piracy, and dismantling censorship. For too long, writers have been silenced under the guise of ‘control.’ Real progress demands artistic freedom.
Public-private partnerships are essential if the industry is to grow. Zimbabwe has potential, but potential without policy and protection is wasted. We need courage from leaders, and commitment from the private sector, to restore our book industry to its rightful place.

MC: Does Zimbabwe uphold human rights and freedom of expression?
Mthulisi Ndlovu: There are flickers of progress, but the reality is sobering. Intimidation, harassment, and persecution of dissenting voices remain weapons of choice for those in power. Freedom of expression is conditional at best, and fragile. Zimbabwe has promised democratic advancement for decades, but promises without action are meaningless. Human rights cannot be selective. Until the government truly commits to protecting all voices, the struggle continues.

MC: Have you won any awards in your area of work?
Mthulisi Ndlovu: Yes. I received the Honorary Global African Literary Award in 2021 for my contributions to Afrocentric literature, poetry, and community development. But awards are not the pinnacle. For me, the real honour is in knowing that my work unsettles tyrants, inspires communities, and keeps alive the African voice of resistance and truth.

Mthulisi Ndlovu, popularly known as KingKG or KhuluGatsheni, is a Zimbabwean poet, socio-political activist and recipient of the Global Honorary Literary Award whose work shines a light on the struggles and aspirations of marginalized communities. Born in Plumtree and raised in Bulawayo, he has established himself as one of Africa’s youngest epic poets, authoring books like, Politicking(Lockdown Memoirs from Within) and UBUNTU (The Raw Truth Unravelled)—a 51-page single poem celebrated as the longest poetic exploration of Ubuntu in global publishing history. His most recent protest collection, Politricks, Profits and Puppets, was published in partnership with the Liberal Arts Department at Grand View University in Iowa, USA. Writing in isiNdebele, English, Kalanga, Shona, Zulu, and German, he challenges injustice, critiques oppressive systems, and calls for unity and dignity across cultures and ethnic groups.
Beyond his literary work, Ndlovu is a philanthropist and cultural activist devoted to community empowerment and human rights. He founded Thee Roots Voluntary Charity Trust (TROVOCO), an initiative that supports orphans, children in rural areas, and disaster relief efforts for crises such as Cyclones Idai and Freddy. As CEO of Ubuntu Afro-Publishers and Media, he promotes indigenous languages, cultural diversity, and the preservation of intangible heritage. His activism and creative protest writing have led to collaborations with celebrated African voices and opportunities to represent Zimbabwe on international stages, establishing him as a human rights advocate whose art and activism advance justice, humanity, and the safeguarding of African identity.

The Forces
Wars and atonements
Raging biblical storms and forces
Divinity hung – stripped and guillotined
Petrichor cleansing mother earth
Meagre men masquerading as noble
Clowns, claws clenching vindictively.

Simmering effervescently
Stubborn dark clouds of deceit
Luring chants and slogans
Rapacious lurking passions
Of personal gratification
Psychological warfare in manifestation
Stirring forces of destruction.

Profits and Prophets
Groaning and moaning
capitalist zombies ordained,
Con men claiming purity
messengers of doom,
Coffers holified with tricks
auctioning divinity and purity,
Salvation for sale!
Run!

Tithing and offerings
bribing Heaven for instant miracles,
Men of cloth getting richer
believers drowning in poverty,
Sacred podiums turned into pyramid schemes
believe and be blessed,
Give more and be deceived
profiting from impoverished souls,
Miracles for sale!
Run!

Hypnotised we go forth
fools fooling the wise,
Logic drowning in illusions
spirituality turned against men,

Reason; now scarce
Honesty; now rare
Drunk on deceit
Redemption is free!
Pray!