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Book Fair fever hits South Africa

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Do not miss these three book festivals. Picture: iStock
Do not miss these three book festivals. Picture: iStock

Generally around this time of the year, avid readers and literary folk can look forward to exciting book fairs and festivals, so if you’re keen to sit in some talks, workshops, or are just excited to meet your favourite author, you want to read this.

Jozi Book Fair

To start off we have the Jozi Book Fair kicking off this Thursday, August 30, and it will run over the weekend until September 2. The fair is celebrating its 10th year, and if the past years are anything to go by, you do not want to miss out on this one.

This year’s theme, Literature and Working People, has a strong focus on bridging the gap between the working class and the massive volume of literature that the working class often does not have access to. Former Stastician-General Pali Lehohla, writers, performance poets and story-tellers Diana Ferrus and James Matthews and other authors will be at the fair. In partnership with the City of Johannesburg, the fair will be taking place at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, and is free of charge.

Speaking to City Press, director of the Jozi Book Fair Maria van Driel said that the Jozi Book Fair sets itself apart from other book fairs because, apart from the various events being completely free, it also has the added offering of fostering the writing and stories of local South African’s from different aspects of life.

“The Jozi Book Fair is a project of Khanya College, a social justice organisation where we work throughout the year with children. Reading can’t just happen once a year, it has to happen every day throughout the year and we are able to run these projects throughout they year,” she said.

“So we do ongoing work and then the festival which highlights the work that the college does. We identified that how does a book fair assist with groupings in society such as civil and justice organisations and causes and so this fair helps to showcase these causes as well,” she said.

“For example when Marikana happened in 2012, we had the photo exhibition of Greg Marinovich and City Press photographer Leon Sadiki.”

The pair were instrumental in capturing the events that unfolded during that tragic period when striking miners lost their lives.

Open Book Festival

Next we have the eighth Open Book Festival, taking in place in Cape Town from 5-9 September. Happening at the Book Lounge and the Fugard Theatre, some of the prominent figures who will be engaging in panel discussions and workshops include Cape Talk and Radio 702 host Africa Melane, South African actress and author of Eyebags and Dimples, Bonnie Mbuli, and High Court Judge Dennis Davis.

Tickets to various events can be purchased at webtickets.co.za.

South African Book Fair

Then we move on the South African Book Fair, taking place from 7-9 September. The event, which coincides with National Book Week and is put together by the South African Development Council, will see authentic South African stories told at this fair.

On offer at the fair are book exhibitions, a children’s theatre and Poetry Café sessions in honour of the late poet and activist, Keorapetse ‘Bra Willie’ Kgositsile, and more. If you are interested in where the future of the country is headed under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, then head over to the discussion facilitated by political analyst Ralph Mathekga, where a discussion on New President, Now What? will be taking place.

For more information visit SouthAfricanBookFair.co.za.

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