Ekta Somera’s journey from isolation to inspiration

BREAKING BARRIERS THROUGH POETRY

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

EKTA Somera, a 26-year-old published poet from Umkomaas, whose journey from writing in solitude to creating literary communities, is inspiring a new generation of South African writers.

Recently selected for a Poetry Scrum and working as an editor, Somera juggles multiple roles: editor at Sakura Book Publishing, community facilitator at Youth Capital, freelance graphic designer, and author of three poetry collections, Made in Poetry, Twenty-Two and Social Misfit.

Despite the titles and responsibilities, she remains grounded in her mission.

“I felt a great sense of fulfilment, not only for myself, but for every woman who has ever been made to feel small and insignificant. I feel like when one of us achieves a goal, especially in a space where we have not always been seen, it is a win for all of us.”

Somera was recently selected for a Poetry Scrum, a unique collaboration celebrating the spirit of sport through verse.

“Sport involves a lot of passion, strength and emotion. Poetry captures this energy in words. Our poems reflect the struggle and beauty that sport brings out in people. It connects us through shared experiences of effort, failure, triumph and resilience.”

Her contribution, like much of her work, highlights the themes of unity, ambition and the beauty of shared success.