Mandisa Vundla is a South African-based (Soweto/KZN) poet notoriously
known as the first two-time undefeated Word N Sound slam champion.
Vundla is an educator, slam coach, co-editor of “Home is Where the Mic is”
and “founder of the Poetry Zone ZA:” a poetry development agency focused
on advancing poetry culture and its trade, in S.A.

Having worked in the industry for over a decade, Vundla utilizes her expertise
to shelter young emerging poets under her wing — through the Brave Spoken
Youth poetry mentorship project. When she’s not serving younger emerging voices, she works as a slam coach at the Poetry Africa International Poetry Festival.

In 2022, Vundla was listed as an MG200 Young leader for her contribution to
the South African poetry sector and in 2023, she released her debut spoken word poetry album, A Love Song for Miriam Makeba, available on all streaming platforms for your listening pleasure. The album is deeply inspired by Miriam Makeba’s legacy, humanity, servitude and genuine love for Africa and her people.