M.A. / This study is a critical assessment and analysis of Xhosa poetry that addresses social and political concerns with particular reference to the poetry of Qangule (1970), Mtuze (1982, 1990) and Xozwa (1994 ). Chapter one introduces the study by presenting its aim, scope, method of research, theory, definition of concepts and significance of the study. Chapter 2 focuses on the theoretical framework of the study. It discusses the theory of Marxism, which is used as a basis of this study, by explaining the concept of Marxism, its historical background, assumptions, methodology and Marxism and poetry. Chapter 3 deals with social concerns that are addressed by Mtuze (1982 and 1990) and Xozwa (1994 ). These social concerns are divorce and alcohol usage. The discussion in this chapter focuses on how divorce affects members of the family concerned, especially children of divorced parents. It also looks at how alcohol is used in society. While the discussion in this chapter acknowledges moderate use of alcohol, it focuses more on how this substance may also be abused. It looks at how alcohol abuse affects individuals and society economically and how dangerous it is to the health and lives of people. Chapter 4 focuses on political concerns as addressed by Qangule (1970) and Mtuze (1982). It assesses and analyses poems that address the oppression of black people during the apartheid regime in South Africa. Concerns like citizenship and deprivation of freedom, labour conditions and language are discussed in this chapter. Chapter 5 is a concluding statement which gives a summary of the study, evaluation of Xhosa poetry with regard to addressing the concerns discussed in the study and recommendations regarding future research.