Festival highlights power of storytelling

The 2024 Khayelitsha Book Festival was a celebration of the power of storytelling and the resilience of township communities.

Curated by Zikhona Madubela of In 2 Change Learning and hosted by Uhlanga Books, a publishing house founded by Zimkitha Macengulashe Zilo, the festival, last Saturday, was themed “Narratives of the Resilient: Our Lived Experiences Become Our Literature”. It brought together an array of voices from across South Africa and beyond.

The keynote address was delivered by Councillor Axolile Notywala, who emphasized the transformative power of literature and the need to cultivate a reading culture.

This year’s festival was attended by Themba Mchunu, Director of Arts and Culture, and his team, and representatives from Kuyasa Library.

One of the festival’s signature events was the Colloquium, which was facilitated by Tandiwe Nqanda, a renowned poet and author, and featured a panel of speakers.

Lumkile Mzukwa, founder of Lumkile’s Book Joint in Gugulethu, discussed the importance of creating spaces for African literature.

Kitso Seti, a scholar and artist from the University of Cape Town, spoke about the role of black narratives in shaping academic and creative thought.

Historian Precious Bikitsha, delivered an insightful lecture on the life of Nontsizi Mgqwetho, the 20th-century isiXhosa poet whose work continues to inspire South African literature.

Keletso Yende and Zanele Shwane, both authors and motivational speakers, spoke about resilience and empowerment through storytelling.

Zanzolo, a hip-hop artist currently documenting the history of hip-hop in South Africa, shared his journey of fusing music with literature.

This conversation brought to the fore the significance of personal narratives in preserving African culture and ensuring that the voices of marginalised communities are heard.

Kenyan scholar Dr. Njoki Wamai, discussed the book The Bus People by Chumile Sali which has themes of urban displacement and community life in African cities. He also introduced the book Munca Ungaqhekezi, by Bhut'Fura, who was in conversation with Rithuli Orleyn, bringing isiXhosa storytelling to the forefront of the festival.

The festival also featured a range of vibrant performances by local artists, adding to the lively atmosphere.