The second edition of the Gauteng International Book Festival is returning and promises to be bigger, bolder and better than before. Festival director Lorraine Sithole says there’s much to look forward to in this year’s edition of the festival, which will be hosted on Saturday, 9 December 2023, from 09:00 at Ubuntu Kraal Lifestyle in Orlando West, Soweto. She says there will be an entertaining and educational programme and all ages can benefit from the festival since reading is for everyone. “Reading is not for nerds. Reading is for everyone. We need to demystify the idea of what a reader is because everyone should read and incorporate reading in their everyday lives,” Sithole says.
Sithole is an avid reader, publisher and writer.
She is the founder of the BookWorms Book Club and has contributed to these collections: Black Tax: Burden or Ubuntu, edited by Niq Mhlongo, and When Secrets Become Stories, edited by Sue Nyathi.
She is also the chairman of the International Book On Books for Young People South Africa.
The theme for the year is The Rhythm of Our Stories.
Sithole says storytelling connects everyone and a good story can make your heart dance.
The programme represents the diversity in stories.
“The pulse of the nation is represented through the select choices in non-fiction, and we strive for non-malalignment and othering by bringing in all voices, all forms of being into one melting pot.”
This year there’s a children’s literacy and storytelling programme and an inspiring new adult and adult literacy programme.
Sithole adds that there will be over 120 participants and the festival is bringing more emerging and established authors to Soweto.
A few established voices gracing the festival is Sihle Khumalo, Pamela Power, Khathu Maestro, Sue Nyathi, Fred Khumalo, Pumza Shabangu, Dr Nechama Brodie, Dr Nokuthula Mazibuko-Msimang and Lorato Trok.
The festival is also introducing new and emerging voices and some of those include Magogodi Makhene, Sizakele Nkosi, Janine Jellars, Prudence Makau, Rudzani Khashane, Lynn Joffe, Moshitadi Lehlomela and the rising stars are Melusi Tshabalala, Refiloe Moahloli, Farai Mudzingwa and Lebohang Masango.
This year, the festival has partnered with Exclusive Books and a local community foundation.
Book Capital is still on board as the bookseller on the day, making it ideal to purchase early Christmas gifts.
There will also be vendors on site for food. With books, food and interactive activities, it’s the perfect family outing.
Sithole says the day is designed to bring value to everyone attending. Interesting topics like selfcare and the soft life concept, serious subjects like elections and important issues like black tax and money management will be discussed.
Tickets are selling at R100. Children under 13 enter for free and should be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased on Quicket.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
28/11/2023
Twitter: @CityofJoburgZA