Johannesburg

South African Book Fair 2019

Friday Sep 6 - Sunday Sep 8       Cnr Joubert St and Kotze St, Braamfontein
share
Part of National Book Week, the annual South African Book Fair (SABF) brings together more than 100 African authors, journalists and critics for a weekend packed with literary discussion, storytelling and, of course, book sales.

This year's fair, themed #OurStories is at Constitution Hill and highlights a programme that focuses on promoting children, youth and adult empowerment through championing the realisation of indigenous knowledge systems and culture via storytelling, inspiring young authors to continue sharing their stories, supporting educators and teachers with sessions curated by the Literary Association of South Africa (LITASA) and through various performances of oral live illustrations. 

Also look out for workshops on topics such as creative writing and Zulu for beginners, the Keorapetsi Kgositsile poetry festival curated by #HearMyVoice and the African Philosophy Cafe and interesting panel discussions that touch on some of the most complex issues in contemporary South Africa such as freedom, justice, feminism, faith, patriarchy and the cost of higher education.

Leading authors and writers who will be talking about their work include South African literary giant Fred Khumalo, journalist Jonny Steinberg, prolific South African author Niq Mhlongo, acclaimed Swedish writer and journalist Elisabeth Asbrin, mesmerising Jamaican-Canadian poet D’bi Young, activist and poet Gcina Mhlophe, travel writer Sihle Khumalo, journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh and Nigerian-British author Sarah Ladipo Manyika.

Other highlights of the three-day book fair include culinary talks and demonstrations with leading local chefs, talks by leading local authors on topics such as scriptwriting, self-publishing, overcoming adversity and a walking tour through downtown Joburg's myriad bookshops and informal book markets (tickets for the walking tour must be booked in advance).

South African Book Fair 2019 Children's programme
This year's book fair has a particularly strong Children's programme with performances, storytelling and interactive activities that will delight young minds. Highlights include the Illustrator’s Exhibition featuring works by some of South Africa's most exciting comic book authors who will also be presenting a live drawing session, a special visual arts presentation, Find Your Art Heroes (Sat Sep 7 from 10:00), where renowned art expert Dr. Cobi Labuscagne will take youngsters on a journey of discovery through the world of contemporary South African art and artists, and a range of multi-lingual events for kids at the dedicated Magic Tent area including an appearance by The Gruffalo, isiZulu storyteller Zanele Ndlovu brings ancient tales to life with the strings of her indigenous music instruments (Sat Sep 7 from 14:30) and Refiloe Moahloli reads from her latest children's book, Yes Yanga! in English, isiXhosa and isiZulu (Sat Sep 7 from 16:00 and Sun Sep 8 from 11:30). 

See the full programme of events online at southafricanbookfair.co.za. Note that you must book in advance for each session as space is limited.

Date

Venue

Sep 6 2019 - Sep 8 2019
Constitution Hill
Cnr Joubert St and Kotze St, Braamfontein

Price/Additional Info

General Admission R10. One day pass R100 (includes five programme events)

Website

southafricanbookfair.co.za facebook.com/SouthAfricanBookFair
Put our app in your pocket
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here. AGREE
Top