UWC Siyaphumelela scholar, Candy, sharing her voice and talent through the power of poetry at the Poetry Festival. Image: Poetry Africa by Vanray BukenyaNdivhuwo “Candy” Mgwena, the University of the Western Cape’s 2026 Siyaphumelela scholar, performed her “I Am” poem on an international stage recently.
As part of the Siyaphumelela Scholars Awardees team, Mgwena attended the 30th Poetry Africa Festival and the 5th World Poetry Slam Championship in Durban from October 5 to 10, 2026. It was a chance to share her story, connect with others and discover new possibilities for her own voice. Here, poets from 40 countries shared their experiences, identities and perspectives through spoken word and performance.
Mgwena performed her poem, “I AM”, for the first time in front of an audience. Her poem, developed as part of the Siyaphumelela Scholars Programme, invited her to reflect on the experiences that have shaped her journey.
“Putting my life into words required intense vulnerability, honesty, and raw reflection,” she said. “It reminded me that our personal stories deserve to take up space.”
Pictured (from left) are Bonolo Napo, Siyaphumelela scholar from the University of the Free State; Candy Mgwena, UWC Siyaphumelela scholar; and Gabriele Ratano, a poet from France and World Slam Championship participant. Image: Poetry Africa by Vanray BukenyaSiyaphumelela is a student success initiative that supports universities in using data to better understand and address the challenges students face in their academic journey. At the University of the Western Cape (UWC), the initiative promotes a data-informed, people-centred student success ecosystem, encouraging collaboration across institutional departments to strengthen student retention, academic success and graduation.
Raised in rural Limpopo, with deep Xitsonga roots, Mgwena reflected on how her background and experiences have influenced her identity and educational journey. Through her poem, she sought to communicate that students are more than their academic achievements and that their identities, lived experiences and aspirations are integral to who they are.
The audience’s positive response affirmed the value of sharing her story and encouraged her to continue writing and performing. The festival also broadened her understanding of poetry as a form of expression that can transcend language and cultural boundaries. Performances in different languages, including Sign Language poetry, left a lasting impression on Mgwena, whose passion for inclusive education inspired her to learn South African Sign Language.
Another memorable highlight for Mgwena was the opportunity to meet uMama Gcina Mhlophe, the renowned South African storyteller and cultural icon. This experience reinforced the importance of community and belonging — principles that are central to student success.
Her experience also strengthened her belief that universities must create opportunities for students to participate meaningfully in conversations about their own success. Through Siyaphumelela, she has gained a deeper appreciation of the importance of student voice, inclusive learning environments and support that recognises students as whole people.
“I want to encourage students to step completely outside of their comfort zones,” said Mgwena “Sometimes, taking that scary leap is the exact way we discover strengths and beautiful possibilities we never knew we had.”
Mgwena returned from Durban with renewed confidence in her creative voice and a message for fellow students: their stories matter, and they should never feel they have to leave their authentic selves behind to succeed.
Read the poem here
