The Time of the Writer 2022 runs virtually, from its base in Durban, South Africa, from March 14-22, 2022.
Time of the Writer is a literary festival organised by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts and hosted in Durban, South Africa since 1996.
The twenty fifth edition inspired by Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize winner, Chief Albert Luthuli, has the theme, “Beyond Words: Memory, Imagination & Conscience.” It will honour his legacy and commemorate the 60th anniversary of his autobiography, Let My People Go, which was published in 1962.
It will critically reflect and engage with its participants to discuss whether Luthuli’s vision for a better South Africa has been served or been betrayed.
The festival keynote speaker as revealed recently is writer, academic, producer, and broadcaster Dr Nokuthula Mazibuko Msimang and featured author Mandla Langa. Other guests at this event will be Gcina Mhlophe, Zakes Mda, Zukiswa Wanner, Lebo Mashile, Athol Williams, Themba Maseko, Mbuso Khoza, Ongezwa Mbele, Sam Mathe, Shafinaaz Hassim, Uvile Ximba, Buki Papillon, Ayesha Kajee, Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, Dr Gugulethu Mazibuko, Joanne Hichens, Boni Zungu, among others.
This year Time of the Writer has a partnership with Interkontinental who organise the African Book Festival in Berlin every year since 2018.
“Partnering with Time of the Writer is a great opportunity for the African Book Festival, German-speaking writers and our audience. To read outside the box, to follow debates across continents, and to enjoy storytelling from both, Europe and Africa will most certainly lead to further cooperation and hopefully to more translations as well,” said Stefanie Hirsbrunner, Director African Book Festival.
Guests brought on board by the German-based organization are Lidudumaligani who is the curator for 2022 as well as Nthikeng Mohale, Josephine Apraku, Ciani Sofia Hoeder, Lauri Kubuitsile, Dzekashu MacViban, Mithu Sanyal, Clementine Burnley, Kalaf Epalanga, Yara Nakahanda Monteiro, among others.
You can follow proceedings from the virtual festival either on Facebook or on YouTube.
