From the Johannesburg Institute of Advanced Study (JIAS) website:

Launched at the University of Johannesburg in 2023, the Johannesburg Festival of Women Writers is a vibrant platform that brings together thinkers, readers, and book lovers.  The past two editions have been foundational in bringing together over 400 diverse attendees. For the third edition we are poised to tackle a more in-depth and participatory engagement to ensure a shared learning process.

Under the theme “African Women’s Writing in the 21st Century,” the festival will explore various forms of writing, including fiction, reviews, poetry, and the distribution of knowledge through publishing. Activities will include: Curated Masterclasses, Book Signings, Book Sales, a Children’s Literature Program, and Plenary Sessions fostering dialogue on writing and publishing in the 21st century.

Third time and counting! The Johannesburg Festival of Women Writers brings literature lovers together for a weekend of panel discussions, debates, speeches and readings from the foremost women writers in South Africa and beyond. Founded by the brilliant Mam’ Barbara Masekela in 2023, the festival elevates and amplifies women’s stories and intellectual labour. I have been attending since its inaugural year and I truly believe that it is one of the best literature events that we have in the country right now. I always leave feeling enriched, inspired and encouraged to keep labouring in love. I also love that in its second year, I had the honour to be the respondent to Ms. Margaret Busby‘s keynote address! I was nervous but so excited. Truly, what an honour!

Last year, I also sat on the ‘Shifting identities: Navigating Intimate Relationships using financial, social and emotional currency’ panel alongside Vangile Gantsho, Shafinaaz Hassim and Vangile Makwakwa. Of course, my contributions were drawn from The Soft Life: Love, choice and modern dating (2022). This year, I will be immersed in the festival experience as I meet with all my literary loves and support the incredible women that make up South Africa’s literary industry.

According to the JFWW organisers, this year’s festival honours the intellectual legacies of Lauretta Ngcobo, Brigalia Bam, Mariama Ba, and Joyce Seroke. Some of this year’s festival highlights include engaging panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses facilitated by some of South Africa’s most prolific authors and academics. Attendees can look forward to:

• Curated Masterclasses and Workshops exploring different forms of writing, including fiction, poetry, song composition, and book reviews.
• Book Signings and Sales with local authors showcasing their latest works.
• Plenary Sessions on contemporary writing and publishing in Africa.
• Children’s Literature Program – Children are warmly welcomed! We will have a dedicated space with literary games and story readings designed to inspire and entertain young minds.

I personally cannot wait for Prof. Makhosazana Xaba’s poetry workshop! What a treat!

Please register to join us at the Johannesburg Festival of Women Writers on Sunday, 9 March 2024 from 09:00 – 18:00 [by clicking this link] at the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) on the Bunting Road Campus, University of Johannesburg. You have to bring a valid form of identification with you. For enquiries, phone +2711 559 7530 or email jfww@uj.ac.za. The event is free and refreshments will be on sale. Also, don’t forget to bring your purse and your sturdy tote-bag for book-buying – trust me! Which session are you looking forward to most?