We are proud to present the SABF literary programme* which is full to bursting with politics, philosophy, poetry, theatre and more. Book your tickets through Webtickets and view the full programme below.
SABF 2018 – FRIDAY 7 SEP
SABF 2018 – SATURDAY 8 SEP
SABF 2018 – SUNDAY 9 SEPT
Click here to register for all events
*The South African Book Fair reserves the right to make changes to the programme.
Date: 7-9 September
Time : 09:00-17:00
The Fair offers you a vault full of books, with a wealth of experts from the publishing industry ready to assist you with support materials for learners and teachers, and the best research and non-fiction books from university presses. Choose from an array of books for all ages and enjoy a wealth of literature for leisure and knowledge, as well as for personal and spiritual development at this year’s South African Book Fair.
FREE
Date: 7-9 September
Time : 11:00 – 12:00
The Little Prince is an African inspired adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic fable. It will be performed by the Market Theatre Foundation’s brand-new theatre company, Kwasha!, having premiered at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. Originally written in French, The Little Prince is the world’s most translated book (outside of religious works). It has been translated into 300 languages, including English, Zulu, Afrikaans and Xhosa. The performance will be a magical re-telling of the book, mixing storytelling and circus in multiple languages to create a unique South African inspired production of this French masterpiece, for adults and children alike.
Date: 7 September
Time : 15:00-15:45
Our Keorapetse Kgositsile Poetry Café, a pop-up poetry platform, will captivate you with an interwoven blend of verse, image, story, performance and song.
Where Poetry Rivers Meet: Siphokazi Jonas, Flow Wellington, Makhosazana Xaba
MC: MoAfrika ’a Mokgathi
FREE ENTRY
Date: 7 September
Time : 16:00-16:45
The South African Book Fair 2018, as it celebrates #OURSTORIES on the page, mic and stage, invites audiences to engage in a feast of intergenerational voices in our indigenous languages.
Fire Words Fly: Lebohang Masango aka Nova, Mthunzikazi Mbungwana, Xabiso Vili, Roché Kester
MC: Katleho Kano Shoro
Date: 7 September
Time : 18:00-20:00
# OURSTORIES are a key aspect of the precious cultural wealth we inherit from our families and communities. They have the power to teach, inspire, excite, connect and soothe.
Join us under the night lights of Jozi at dusk, as six multi-talented storytellers set our hearts and imaginations on fire!
INTSOMI YAM – YINTSOMI YAKHO (My Story – Your Story) – Nompucuko Hluma Zakaza, accompanied by Dr Nkosi on percussion – IsiXhosa
I’VE COME TO TAKE YOU HOME – Diana Ferrus – Afrikaans/English
MIGRITUDE – Shailja Patel – English
INTOMBAZANANA NAMAPHUPHA (A Girl and Her Dreams) – Mthunzikazi Mbungwana – Isizulu/English
THE DAY THE RAIN STOPPED – Siphokazi Jonas – English/IsiXhosa
STORIES OF THE BUSHVELD & THE GREAT BEYOND – Vanessa Bower – English
UMAMDOKWE – Bongiswa Kotta Ramushwana – Sesotho/Setswana
FREE ENTRY
Date: 8-9 September
Time : 09:00-17:00
The National Book Week Magic Tent offers words and sights that will delight your senses. All are invited to attend events in the Tent, from toddlers to grandparents, and to revel in the affirmative power of books and reading − for the first time or the thousandth time.
An interactive presentation by The South African Library for the Blind, Tactile Picture Books: A Positive Reading Experience For Pre-school Children Who Are Blind And Visually Impaired provides a good introduction about tactile books and their purpose. A wide selection of children’s literature in all South African languages will be on sale.
FREE
Date: 8 September
Time : 10:00 – 11:00
Has there been a change in South African literature over the decades? Join our panel as we entertain this question.
Karabo Kgoleng, Dr Alma-Nalisha Cele (The Cheeky Natives), Pamela Power (Delilah Now Trending)
Facilitator: Jennifer Platt
Date: 8 September
Time : 10:00 – 11:00
A peek into the cost of producing books in South Africa.
Thuli Helepi (African Flavour Books), Melinda Ferguson (MF Books Joburg), Olinka Nell (Chairperson: General Trade SABA)
Facilitator: Brian Wafawarowa
Date: 8 September
Time : 10:00–11:00
Groundbreaking self-publishers share how they are disrupting the notion of publishing.
Zanele Dlamini (Wounds Of ignorance), Sarahina Mayoyo (I Fell In Love With My Abuser, But God!), Dudu Busani-Dube (Hlomu)
Facilitator: Sarah Godsell
Date: 8 September
Time : 10:00–11:00
South Africa in the new dawn. Our panellists sketch future scenarios.
Prince Mashele (The Fall Of The ANC), Mark Heywood (Get Up! Stand Up!), Jan-Jan Joubert (Who Will Rule In 2019?)
Facilitator: Ralph Mathekga
Date: 8 September
Time : 11:30–12:30
Nigeria and South Africa account for about a third of Africa’s economic might, and have led much of its conflict management initiative over the last two decades.
Prof Gilbert Khadiagala (Conflict Management And African Politics), Prof Adekeye Adebajo (The Eagle And The Springbok) & Elinor Sisulu (Walter and Albertina Sisulu: In Our Lifetime)
Facilitator: Dr Essop Pahad
Date: 8 September
Time : 11:30–12:30
Can money be a change agent in South Africa? Different ways of skinning your money.
Mpho Dagada (Mr Bitcoin), Sam Beckbessinger (Manage Your Money Like A F*cking Grown Up)
Facilitator: Warren Ingram
Date: 8 September
Time : 11:30–12:30
An eclectic group of writers take us on a journey of fantasy and magical realism.
Unathi Slasha (The Seamy Side), Unathi Magubeni (Nwelezelanga, The Star Child), Siphiwe Ndlovu (The Theory Of Flight) & Odafe Atogun (Wake Me When I’m Gone)
Facilitator: Sarah Key
Date: 8 September
Time : 11:30–12:30
Disrupting through superheroes – our young authors take us into the world of graphic novels.
Benoit Knox (Supernova, BK Publishing), Loyiso Mkize (Kwezi) & Clyde Beech (Kwezi)
Facilitator: Charles Ash
Date: 8 September
Time : 11:30–12:30
This programme is run by our industry exhibitors. Please contact them directly as per the RSVP details below.
Oxford University Press
Africa Pulse – Passion and power of African classics: now in English
Fiction/non-Fiction
Join us to experience the passion and power of African classic fiction, now accessible in English! With Nkosinathi Sithole (Noma nini/No Matter When); David wa Maahlamela, Lucy Ndlovu, Seleka Tembane (Megokgo ya Bjoko/Tears of the Brain), and Johannes Lenake (Mosadi a nkhola/She’s to Blame) in conversation with Antjie Krog.
Limited space available.
To RSVP please email:
FREE ENTRY
Date: 8 September
Time : 12:00-13:00
Legacies: The session opens with a commissioned tribute poem to Keorapetse Kgositsile, written and performed by Mutle Mothibe.
In the spirit of Bra Willie, South African poets engage with each other and the audience on the role of poetry in historical documentation, social transformation and healing. What impact has the legacies of other poets had on them? What legacies will they leave behind?
Lebo Mashile, Diana Ferrus, Mutle Mothibe
MC: Makhosazana Xaba
Date: 8 September
Time : 13:00–14:00
Panellists explore the complex issue of land dispossession in South Africa, often called the original sin.
Adv Tembeka Ngcukaitobi (The Land Is Ours) & Dr Nomkhosi Xulu-Gama (Hostels In South Africa)
Facilitator: Prof Ben Cousins
Date: 8 September
Time : 13:00–14:00
We remember the timeless contribution of Albertina Sisulu and Nelson Mandela as the country celebrates their centenaries.
General Bantu Holomisa (Game Changer), Sahm Venter (I Remember Nelson Mandela) & Elinor Sisulu (Walter and Albertina Sisulu: In Our Lifetime)
Facilitator: David O’Sullivan
Date: 8 September
Time : 13:00–14:00
The struggle for identity when the origins are unanchored.
Sara-Jayne King (Killing Karoline), Thuli Nhlapho (Colour Me Yellow) & Rosie Motene (Reclaiming The Soil)
Facilitator: Danyela Demir
Date: 8 September
Time : 13:00–14:00
There’s a revolution happening. New voices discuss how they are shaping the much-needed change in publishing.
Lidudumalingani (Memories we lost), Bhekisisa Mncube (The Love Diary Of A Zulu Boy) & Loyiso Mkize (Kwezi)
Facilitator: Phehello Mofokeng
Date: 8 September
Time : 14:30–15:30
‘The expression of who I am. I determine and define its boundaries.’ Diverse feminist authors discuss literary spaces and writing.
Prof Melanie Judge (Blackwashing Homophobia), Dr Alma-Nalisha Cele & Tiffany Kagure Mugo
Facilitator: Tshegofatso Senne
Date: 8 September
Time : 14:30–15:30
One story, many forms. Book to film, film to book, book to theatre.
Harriet Perlman (Vaya: Untold Stories Of Johannesburg), Fred Khumalo (Dancing The Death Drill), Dudu Busani-Dube (A Zulu Wedding) & Anthony Mafela.
Facilitator: Pamela Power
Date: 8 September
Time : 14:30–15:30
Throughout the history of humankind, the written and the spoken word have shaped the course of events. In the space of this conference, we aim to explore how writers and readers influence society. Do writers steer the course of a country’s socio-political passage by pointing to and appraising the mores and values of its people and its leaders?
Siphiwo Mahala (When A Man Cries), Peter Harris (Bare Ground), Dr Sindiwe Magona (Beauty’s Gift), Maishe Maponya (Gangsters), Antjie Krog (Lady Anne) & Melinda Ferguson (Smacked)
Facilitator: Christopher Thurman
Date: 8 September
Time : 14:30–15:30
New wave bookselling – downtown and from the boot to the streets.
Sibahle Malunga (MyAfricanBuy), Nonkululeko Magi-Africa (AfroKulcha), Thuli Helepi (African Flavour Books) & Khumo Khaole (Ethnikids)
Facilitator: Griffin Shea (Bridge Books)
Date: 8 September
Time : 16:00–17:00
Existing in a new democracy.
Christi van der Westhuizen (Sitting Pretty), Rehana Rossouw (New Times) & Zimitri Erasmus (Race Otherwise)
Facilitator: Prof. Melanie Judge
Date: 8 September
Time : 16:00–17:00
A continuation of PART ONE above (14:30 – 15:30)
Siphiwo Mahala (When A Man Cries), Peter Harris (Bare Ground), Dr Sindiwe Magona (Beauty’s Gift), Maishe Maponya (Gangsters), Antjie Krog (Lady Anne) & Melinda Ferguson (Smacked)
Facilitator: Christopher Thurman
Date: 8 September
Time : 16:00–17:00
The evolution of African fashion, how it has inspired international designers and how traditional clothes and fabrics have become part of modern fashion creations.
Amanda Cooke (Cape Town Curly) & Lerato Tshabalala
Facilitator: Bridget Masinga
Date: 8 September
Time : 16:00–17:00
We Recite What We Like. Featured poets plus Open Mic. A line-up of emerging voices.
Flo Mokale, Busisiwe Mahlangu
MC: Torsten ‘Clear’ Rybka
FREE ENTRY
Date: 9 September
Time : 10:00–11:00
Exploring the fluidity and complexity of gender as depicted in our stories.
Prof. Christi van der Westhuizen, Bev Ditsie (LGBTI activist) & Hester van der Walt (Sê My, Is Julle Twee Susters?)
Facilitator: Tiffany Kagure Mugo
Date: 9 September
Time : 10:00–11:00
The necessity and challenges of capturing generational stories.
Dr Sindiwe Magona (Beauty’s Gift), Lebohang Masango (Mpumi’s Magic Beads) & Lauri Kubuitsile (The Scattering)
Facilitator: Elinor Sisulu
Date: 9 September
Time : 10:00–11:00
Contemporary writers engage with each other on the preservation of our mother-tongues.
Sabata-Mpho Mokae (Kanakotsame – In My Times), Melusi Tshabalala (Everyday Zulu) & Phehello Mofokeng (Sankomota: An Ode In One Album – A Reflective Essay)
Facilitator: Fred Khumalo
Date: 9 September
Time : 10:00–11:00
Courageously tackling the impact of social displacement, violation and loss.
Shailja Patel (Migritude), Zane Meas (Daddy Come Home), Chwayita Ngamlana (If I Stay Right Here) & Terry Shakinovsky (The Knock on the Door)
Facilitator: Nolwazi Tusini
Date: 9 September
Time : 11:30–12:30
Three journalists give unprecedented insights into political and underworld figures and criminal networks, exposing how they have infiltrated the South African law enforcement authorities and agencies.
Mandy Wiener (Ministry Of Crime), Anneliese Burgess (Heist) & Pieter-Louis Myburgh (The Republic Of Gupta)
Facilitator – Sikonathi Mantshantsha
Date: 9 September
Time : 11:30–12:30
Raising the thorny, but vital issues of how the continent should respond to the president of the United States referring to African nations as “shithole countries”, this panel will take a no-holds-barred look at the persistent prejudices that are still so evident in Western perceptions of the African continent.
Prof Gilbert Khadiagala (Meddlers Or Mediators? African Interveners In Civil Conflicts In Eastern Africa – International Negotiation) & Pallo Jordan (Letters To My Comrades)
Facilitator: Prof Adekeye Adebajo
Date: 9 September
Time : 11:30–12:30
Tickle your taste buds and meet South Africa’s celebrity chef, David Higgs.
Date: 9 September
Time : 11:30–12:30
Four authors grapple with the overwhelming issues of addiction, abuse and anxiety, and how they navigate these issues in their writing.
Keamogetswe Bopalamo (What I Wore), Lindiwe Hani (Being Chris Hani’s Daughter), Christy Chilimigras (Things Even Gonzalez Can’t Fix) & Phumlani Pikoli (A Fatuous State Of Severity)
Facilitator: Karabo Kgoleng
Date: 9 September
Time : 11:30–12:30
Explore Johannesburg’s uneasy relationship with its past and future. Local authors will take you on a journey through the city’s historical, political, cultural and culinary sites, as depicted in their writing.
Nechama Brodie (The Joburg Book) and the Vaya Team with Harriet Perlman (Vaya: Untold Stories Of Johannesburg), David Majoka & Madoda Ntulu
Date: 9 September
Time : 13:00–14:00
Authors reflect on the powerful words of historical leaders and how their speeches have inspired and shaped present day South Africa.
Martha Evans (Speeches That Shaped South Africa) & Richard Steyn (Jan Smuts: Unafraid of Greatness)
Facilitator: Prof Sifiso Mxolisi Ndlovu
Date: 9 September
Time : 13:00–14:00
Two outspoken women shed light on the burden and shame of abuse. Their work provide healing insights and forms of advocacy.
Shafinaaz Hassim (SoPhia) & Tracy Going (Brutal Legacy)
Facilitator: Melinda Ferguson
Date: 9 September
Time : 13:00–14:00
True stories of spies, lies and surveillance.
Jonathan Ancer (Spy: Uncovering Craig Williamson) and Bridget Hilton-Barber
Facilitator: Jan-Jan Joubert
Date: 9 September
Time : 13:00–14:00
Award-winning chef, Nompumelelo Mqwebu, discusses new ways of practising, preserving and upholding Africa’s finest culinary traditions, with a modern, fine-dining twist.
Nompumelelo Mqwebu
Facilitator: Jenny Crwys-Williams
