Co-hosted by Khanya College and Wits University, this year offers more than 150 activities, including talks and readings by authors, roundtable discussions on pertinent socio-political and cultural issues, poetry and creative writing workshops, theatre, films and live jazz. With more than 40 exhibitors, look out for small and independent publishers that deliver locally relevant books in all South African languages.
Themed ‘Youth Rising’, the Fair showcases South Africa’s youth in all art forms alongside veterans of various literary genres. These include Zakes Mda (author), Ronnie Govender (playwright), Keorapetse Kgositsile (national poet laureate), Kurt Ellis (author), Kemang Wa Lehulere (Deutsche Bank Artist for 2017), James Matthews (poet), Joan Rankin (illustrator) and award-winning young artist, Mohale Mashigo (aka Black Porcelain and author of The Yearning).
Professor Adam Habib, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal says, “The Fair is one of the key events that advances Wits’ mandate. There are many book fairs in society, but the elite of society attend most. The Jozi Book Fair, with its grassroots links, ensures that working class people are also given the privilege of access to books, access to literature and of being party to debates. Wits, as an institution, crosses class and colour divides and serves as a bridge and a platform in society to bring together different stakeholders to form a common humanity. This partnership is one step towards that common humanity project that Wits is committed to.”
Maria van Driel from Khanya College and director of the Jozi Book Fair, adds, “Our wish is to consolidate our democracy by developing a literate citizenry who can read the word and the world. This is a vision that we share with Wits and all our partners.”
The Fair is also a platform for intergenerational engagement to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Soweto Youth Uprising, and connect to youth today. View the programme at www.jozibookfair.org.za.
