REHOBOTH – Ingrid Kisting, a well-known Afrikaans radio presenter and committee member of the Sam Khubis Committee, has shared her inspiring journey of overcoming personal challenges to pursue her passion for writing.
In an exclusive interview with VIBEZ!, she spoke about her creative path and achievements as well as how her faith and resilience have guided her along the way.
Kisting, who serves as the spokesperson for the Sam Khubis Committee, is a familiar voice on Hartklop Radio, a prominent Afrikaans station on the National Broadcasting Corporation.
In her role, she often conducts interviews and manages correspondence.
Yet, it is her writing that has recently gained widespread recognition.
In 2024, Kisting achieved a significant milestone when she published her first poetry collection.
This accomplishment came after receiving an unexpected AKTV award for four of her poems.
Reflecting on this recognition, she recalled how her journey into poetry began and how much her life has changed since. “I was part of the Garies re-enactment, where I had the opportunity to read one of my poems. It took me four years to write these poems. During this time, I underwent a brain operation, which affected my memory and concentration. But despite these challenges, I kept writing, rewriting and pushing forward to complete the 40 poems required to publish my collection,” she said.
The process was not without difficulty.
Kisting faced moments of uncertainty, particularly after her surgery, which temporarily hindered her creative flow. However, her determination to qualify for the prestigious Veertjie Awards pushed her to continue.
“I felt stuck, but I didn’t give up. I eventually reached the 40 poems needed to move forward with my publication,” she said. One of the standout pieces from her collection is a poem she wrote in 2021, titled ‘Rehoboth, The Heartbeat of God’.
She shared this poem with her audience during the interview.
The poem reflects on the faith and resilience of the people of Rehoboth, celebrating God’s protection and guidance throughout history.
This poem marks the beginning of Kisting’s literary journey.
She takes immense pride in its message.
She recently received an invitation to participate in the 100th-anniversary celebration of Afrikaans, where she submitted one of her poems for a commemorative literary bundle.
Last week, she received the exciting news that she is one of the finalists whose work will be published in this special collection.
The bundle will soon be available for purchase.
Kisting encourages those interested to contact her directly.
Born in Windhoek on 28 March 1972, she is the youngest of eight children.
Kisting grew up in Swakopmund.
In 2021, she began writing during a period of personal healing.
Her creative journey, inspired by the ups and downs of life, led her to realise that her God-given talent could no longer remain hidden.
Her poetry collection is not only a testament to her growth but also serves as a source of inspiration for others to explore their own paths of self-discovery.
Besides her radio and writing work, Kisting finds joy in photography, graphic design and making handmade jewellery. “I love working with my hands because it calms me. Sometimes, I just need to create something small and meaningful,” she said.
She describes herself as a mother, grandmother and someone who is still learning.
“You never stop growing. Life keeps teaching you,” she added.
“The pieces of my humanity have been put together by the love of the Father’s hand. It is His grace that holds everything in place. Even when I didn’t feel strong, I kept praying. That’s what carried me,” Kisting remarked.
As she continues to evolve, her story remains a powerful reminder that with faith, perseverance and creativity, anything is possible.
-isipunga@nepc.com.na