Young local poet and visual artist Vuyo Mei achieves international poetic recognition
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
A Johannesburg based visual artist and poet, Vuyo Tshepo Mei, has just achieved international literary spotlight after two of his poems were awarded second and third prizes in New Zealand.
An as yet unknown and unpublished poet back home, this literary feat however, has put his name up there with other young poetic voices of the world. Vuyo is understandably excited to share this news with fellow writers, especially those who would want to pursue a career in creative writing.
“I’m proud to share that I was recently awarded 2nd and 3rd place in the Rap Like Robbie section of the Robert Burns Poetry Competition 2025, hosted by Dunedin Public Libraries in Aotearoa New Zealand. Despite being based in South Africa, my poems Success by Tides o’ Time” – 2nd Place and Success at What of Clock - 3rd Place were selected for top honors in an international field. You can view the official announcement and winners’ list here: https://hail.to/dunedin-public-libraries-k-kete-wnaka-o-tepoti/publication/TZxOlxc/article/kunLHfO
This recognition is a great honour not just for me, but for South African poetry and the potential of African voices being celebrated across global platforms,” Mei told CITYLIFE/ARTS.
I’m deeply honored and thankful for this feature and for the support from CityLife Arts and the broader literary community. Recognition like this reaffirms the voice of the African creative — rooted in rhythm, truth, and resilience.
This moment is not just mine — it’s for every aspiring poet, artist, and storyteller rising from the heart of our continent. Thank you to everyone who has read the poems, shared the news, or reached out with encouragement.
I’m also proud to share my poetry collection Critiquial Success of Hope, an illustrated journey of faith, resilience, and transformation. It includes contest-winning poems and dual-version pieces with companion visuals.
📘 Download the eBook here: You will get a PDF (418MB) file
🔗 https://payhip.com/b/TvZkY