EMALAHLENI – Award-winning poet and community activist Mandlenkosi Benedict Nhlanhla Kunene, popularly known as Mandla Kunene Imbongi-87, has transformed his passion for poetry into a platform for social change, using his art to address gender-based violence (GBV), promote literacy and empower young people in eMalahleni.

The founder of the ImBongi-87 Foundation believes art can be a powerful tool for community development and raising awareness about social challenges.

Born and raised in Ophongolo Ward 1 in northern KwaZulu-Natal under the Mbongombongweni Traditional Authority, Kunene developed a deep appreciation for culture, storytelling and community values from an early age.

He completed Grades 1 to 9 at Dwarsrand Primary School, attended Grade 10 at Manzamhlophe High School and matriculated from Ngotshe Secondary School in 2005.

After relocating to Mpumalanga in 2008, Kunene began building a new life in eMalahleni. While working as a security officer, he discovered poetry as a way to express himself and connect with others.

“I spent many years working alone as a security officer. During those quiet moments, I would read and write poems. Over time, those poems became performances, and eventually I recorded my own poetry CD,” he said.

“I believe God called me to do this work. I am involved in many areas of the arts, including music and acting, but poetry chose me first,” he added.

His dedication was recognised in 2012 when he received his first award, motivating him to continue developing his craft.

Having lived in different provinces, Kunene said adapting to life in eMalahleni was not difficult.

“I have lived in different places and met people from different backgrounds. That helped me adapt quickly and allowed me to connect with communities here in eMalahleni,” he said.

 

Art with a purpose

For Kunene, success is not measured by awards but by the difference his work makes in people's lives.

“Talents come from God. When you are recognised for your gift, you must thank Him because our talents are not our own. We are here to change lives through our gifts and speak about issues that others are afraid to address,” he said.

His work focuses largely on social challenges, including gender-based violence and femicide. Raised by his mother after his father died when he was just eight months old, Kunene said he was taught from an early age to respect women and protect vulnerable people.

“I do not have a specific date or moment when I decided to fight GBV. Respecting and protecting women and other vulnerable people is something I was taught from a young age,” he said.

Kunene believes art can reach people in ways that traditional awareness campaigns sometimes cannot.

“People love art. Art brings large numbers of people together in a short period of time. When people are listening, watching and engaging, it becomes easier to share important messages and create awareness about issues such as GBV,” he said.

His advocacy work has also seen him participate in men's sector structures, GBV coordination initiatives and parliamentary volunteer programmes.

“Art unites people, and community programmes unite people too. Those experiences helped me move between creative spaces and community leadership roles,” he said.

 

Building a legacy through the ImBongi-87 Foundation

In 2022, Kunene founded the ImBongi-87 Foundation (NPC) to expand his community work beyond poetry performances.

As founder and president, he leads programmes focused on GBV awareness, arts and talent development, skills training, literacy promotion and youth empowerment.

The organisation works alongside Nal'ibali programmes to encourage reading and writing among young people. Through book donation drives and educational support projects, the foundation aims to improve access to learning resources in disadvantaged communities.

The foundation also exposes learners to career opportunities through educational excursions and participation in events such as the Africa's Travel Indaba and Mining Indaba.

“Young people need exposure and opportunities. Many have talent and potential, but they need guidance and access to information that can help shape their future,” Kunene said.

Despite the foundation's growth, funding remains one of its biggest challenges.

“There are many challenges facing the organisation because since we established it, we have never received funding. We rely mostly on our own pockets to run programmes and assist communities,” he said.

Despite limited resources, Kunene and his team continue their work through volunteerism and personal commitment.

“We believe in the work that we do. Although resources are limited, we continue because we know our programmes are making a difference in people's lives,” he said.

 

Investing in the next generation

Mentorship remains one of Kunene's biggest priorities.

Through talent searches, workshops and community programmes, he continues identifying and supporting young creatives in eMalahleni and surrounding areas.

“There is incredible talent among young people. The challenge is that many do not receive enough support, guidance or opportunities to develop their gifts,” he said.

He believes stronger collaboration between families, schools, businesses and government institutions can help unlock the potential of young artists and future leaders.

 

A calling that keeps him going

Kunene acknowledges that community activism can be emotionally and financially challenging, particularly when addressing issues such as GBV and youth development.

“This journey is very difficult, and there are times when I feel like giving up. But because of God's calling in my life, I continue. That calling keeps me grounded and reminds me why I started,” he said.

Looking ahead, Kunene is preparing to host an Arts, Heritage and Exhibition Event in September, aimed at celebrating culture, showcasing local talent and creating opportunities for artists across the region.

For Kunene, the mission remains simple: to use art as a force for positive change.

“Art can build a nation or destroy it. My choice is to use it to build,” he said.