The Ibuyambo Book Festival 2025 with the theme ‘Zemk’Inkomo Magwalandini’ will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from March 1 – 2, 2025.
The Ibuyambo Book Festival was first hosted in Langa, Cape Town, South Africa in December 2023. That edition had a focus on indigenous languages, empowering writers, with cultural celebration while engaging the local community. They did this with readings, launches, panel discussions, and performances.
The festival with the theme ‘Zemk’Inkomo Magwalandini’, paying homage to the inspiring work of the late great Walter Rubusana, returns to Langa at the beginning of March. Dr Rubusana was the co-founder of the Xhosa language newspaper publication, Izwi Labantu and wrote Zemnk’ Inkomo Magwalandini (1906), a collection of traditional poetry which the festival borrows its theme from.
Apart from his writing, he was the first Black person to be elected to the Cape Council (Parliament) in 1909. He also initiated the Native Education Association that contributed towards the formation of the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) in 1912 which was later renamed the African National Congress in 1923.
Those who attend will be treated to keynote speeches by prominent scholars and activists committed to Indigenous language preservation. There will be panel discussions with engaging dialogues exploring the role of literature and storytelling in safeguarding cultural identities. Also on offer will be workshops aimed at empowering participants with tools and strategies for promoting Indigenous languages.
Events that showcase works by Indigenous authors, poets, and storytellers, highlighting their invaluable contributions to literature and culture are on the programme. Some of the confirmed guests are Mpush Ntabeni, Siphokazi Jonas, Subi Bosa, Nondwe Mpuma, Nkululeko Dyantyi, Dr Athambile Masola, Dr Xolisa Guzula, Karen Theunissen, Zizipho Bam, Nolubabalo Rani, Thanduxolo Mkoyi aka Thando Mkhoyi, and Thembalethu John Kumatana.
There will also be a children’s programme with storytelling, book readings, a comic book-making workshop, arts & crafts, and more.
For information on the schedule, we recommend the festival’s Instagram page. You can buy tickets here.
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