‘Telling our stories’ was the theme of the Ingcayizivele Book Festival 2024 hosted at the Ehlanzeni Disaster Management Centre on Saturday, September 21.
The term ‘ingcayizivele’ means ‘new’ or ‘unique’ in isiZulu. The BookHive, a non-profit organisation that was founded by Bobo Lukhele, Vuyelwa Makhubela and Mpumi Mbethe, organised the event, which was aimed at instilling the culture of reading among locals.
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They first hosted the Ingcayizivele Book Festival in 2023, which featured panels, readings and other activities for people of all ages, from children, teens and young adults to adults. During this festival, some local and international authors could unpack the books they had published and network and share their experiences.
Lukhele said they had decided they would host the festival every September in honour of Heritage Month and Literacy Month.
“We hosted over 30 authors. What is more important about this event is that we had a session during which they spoke in Nguni, unlike most book festivals where they only speak in English. We also have iSiswati, isiNdebele and isiZulu writers.”
Lukhele said people need to fight for the languages they speak so that these do not die out. The programme started on Tuesday as they visited various schools.
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“The BookHive read some books to the learners. This year we also had learners who attended the festival. We had Siyafunda Donate-a-Book joining us as we visited the schools, and for the festival.”
Lukhele said it is important to teach kids to read while they are still young.
