Samples of Work
Barbara Botha – 2002
Published in an anthology of verse in South Africa, the USA and Australia.
Former FF+ leader Dr Pieter Mulder read the poem in the South African Parliament.
Used in various speeches by Government officials.
I read the poem at the national Department of Trade and Industry’s Youth Day celebrations on 16 June 2013 at the Mankweng Community Hall, Limpopo.
Am I African?
How do I know that I am
African?
Is it the colour of my
skin?
Is it the language that I
speak?
Is it the beliefs of my
ancestors?
I know this…
The first breath I took was of
African air,
the first word I spoke
Africa heard,
the first step I took was on
African soil
Every time my heart beats, it beats for
Africa
I am African!
Barbara Botha – 2019
Published in a notebook sold by Dignity Dreams as a source of fundraising. Visit their website to learn more about this worthy cause – www.dignitydreams.com
I Won’t Hide
I won’t hide that I am a woman
I embrace all that I am with dignity
my mind, my soul… my
body
I won’t hide away from the changes
life has put in my path ̶ I’ll cherish my
womanhood
Why be ashamed, scared even
to talk about something so unique to all
women
I won’t hide away from the stigmas
I will break down the silent
walls of perception
Pave the way for women after me
I won’t hide. I am a woman
and I’m bloody
proud of it ̶
Period!