HRH Prince Zolani Mkiva
Poet Laureate & Cultural Advisor, South Africa
Ghazipur Lit Fest presented by Bharat Dialogues is glad to welcome Dr. Zolani Mkiva as our special guest. Dr. Zolani Mkiva is South Africa’s Imbongi Yesizwe—Poet to the Nation—who rose to global acclaim after performing at Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inauguration. A fierce custodian of Xhosa oral tradition, he blends spiritual oratory with policy leadership as an ex Member of Parliament in the National Council of Provinces, where he chairs key select committees. An advisor on indigenous affairs and former Interim CEO of the National Arts Council, Mkiva also played a prominent cultural role during FIFA World Cup 2010, showcasing African heritage on the world stage. He leads the Mkiva Humanitarian Foundation, channeling poetic power into grassroots change and African cultural diplomacy.