There is a new festival in the African literary scene going by the name Gauteng International Book Festival. It will be hosted in Soweto, just off the historic Vilakazi Street at the Ubuntu Kraal where Soweto Craft Beer is brewed on Sunday, December 11.
Here is the full statement from the organisers in full;
In the heart of Soweto – just off historic Vilakazi Street – Festival Director, Lorraine Sithole, will host the inaugural Gauteng International Book Festival on Sunday, December 11th, 2022, at Ubuntu Kraal.
The Gauteng International Book Festival is where African stories come alive. The best of South Africa’s literati will spend the day sharing their latest books with readers of all ages, from near and far. Fred Khumalo, Dudu Busani-Dube, Sue Nyathi, Mpush Ntabeni, Songezo Zibi, Chef Mbombi, and Lorato Trok lead a stellar lineup of biographers, historical novelists, and writers of iconic children’s books in book discussions and signings.
The festival aims to “…inspire the culture of reading for leisure within our communities, connect book lovers, and host conversations between our favourite writers and readers.” Gauteng has a vibrant reading culture, and we would like the Gauteng International Book Festival to end the year by celebrating the best African books!
The theme for the Gauteng International Book Festival 2022 is: “Unlimited Africa”. The festival centers Africa as inspirational, and unlimited. The two headliners for 2022 are – Dudu Busani-Dube and Fred Khumalo, with the 2022 keynote address delivered by the multi-award winner, Dr. Nokuthula Mazibuko Msimang.
A day’s pass costs R100 via Quicket and tickets will also be sold on the day at the gate. The day starts at 9h00 am and ends at 5h30 pm.
The two-part family-friendly programme features an enthralling storytelling extravaganza for children and the young at heart where 12 children’s authors will share stories fireside-esque, games, and illustrations; while the literary programme has 23 panelists: 18 authors and 5 moderators.
Sessions will cover topics such as the current state of our nation, to the importance of our stories with a live cooking session where the shisanyama will be elevated.
Books and food will be sold at the venue.
