New talent will join a range of established voices at South African Book Fair
JOBURG – We are counting down the weeks until the South African Book Fair at Constitution Hill.
The upcoming South African Book Fair, which takes place from 6 to 8 September at Constitution Hill, will see a diverse spread of emerging talent join more established voices.
The three-day programme offers events for all ages. The ever-growing group of authors is not only talented in their respective genres but regard pan-African discourse as of paramount importance.
The fair begins with three powerful new female voices, namely Letshego Zulu, Gabi Lowe and Ndileka Mandela, who share their diverse stories.
Authors Phehello Mofokeng, Lorato Trok, and Tuelo Gabonewe will pay homage, in conversation with Sabata-Mpho Mokae, to their love of Setswana and rehoming the classics.
Dr. Gcina Mhlophe will lead the debut poetry talent features on a tour of Constitution Hill on 7 September. The tour goes from the austere halls of the Women’s Jail to the Anglo-Boer War-era fort. The tour will also feature performances from Tshepo Molefe and Fumane Ntlhabane along the way.
Dr Mhlope will later lead a discussion on multilingualism with Zanele Ndlovu and Lebohang Masango showcasing much-loved ancient folktales serenaded by indigenous musical instruments in celebration of The International Year of Mother Tongue. Melusi Tshabalala is also back offering isiZulu for beginners.
Rekgotsofetse Chikane and Lerato Mokgoatlhe will discuss their insights on Africa at her finest. Melinda Ferguson will also offer a writing workshop and visitors can reimagine a new Africa with Chikane, Hlumelo Biko, and Gaongalelwe Tiro.
Sihle Mthembu will be in conversation with Carsten Rasch and Steven Sidley in a tell-all session discussing the influence of Kwaito music on the youth of the 90s and its ripple effect on the youth of today.
In African style, a celebration without sharing a plate is not a celebration and this year’s fair includes much culinary excellence. Mogau Seshoene of the beloved Lazy Makoti will celebrate her birthday with the public in a live demonstration while Lebo and Tebo Ndala will share their love for food through stories of their cooking. Lesego Semenya affectionately known as @LesDaChef will also take guests on a snobbery-less food journey.
Illustrators can look forward to Mogau Kekana’s fair debut in a carefully curated segment. Also showcasing their works will be Toby Newsome and Nathi Ngubane as well as South African rock stars of the Khwezi series Clyde Beech and Loyiso Mkize.
A discussion on #FeesMustFall will bring views from administrators and students to the fore as well as the fight for justice. Some of the panelists include Wandile Ngcaweni, Sarah Mokwebo, Adam Habib and more.
Sharing their pieces of reality with a glare on patriarchy, gendering, dispossession, and magnitude will be Eva Mazza, Jackie Phamotse, Keletso Mopai, Eve Koopman, Makanaka Mavengere, Jolyn Phillips and Remy Ngamije.
Lesego Tlhabi aka Coconut Kels will share the stage with Sihle Khumalo poking holes at the rainbow nation and highlighting factors which still make South Africa a good story to tell.
Regulars at the fair’s children’s programme Zanele Dlamini, Dudu Busani-Dube and Stacey Fu, and fair newcomers Jessica Powers, Selo Mahapeletsa and Vovo Ndubele among others, will inspire learners to not only do their best but be their best too.
The topic of stigmatisation of sex and women’s bodies will be discussed by Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng.
The Keorapetse Kgositsile Poetry Café showcases seasonal poets including Sabelo Soko, Upile Chisala, Vangile Gantsho, Quarz Roodt and more.
Keep in the loop about the fair by following #ReadBecause #WeRead #CaxtonCares #BuyABook.
Details: www.southafricanbookfair.co.za
Related article:
https://rosebankkillarneygazette.co.za/259385/get-your-book-fair-tickets-now-readbecause-2/
