The iLembe Book Festival 2025, under the theme, “Reading is a Right, Not a Privilege,” runs in Groutville, KwaDukuza, South Africa from October 23 – 25, 2025.
The iLembe Book Festival is a collective effort of award-winning novelist Nozizwe Cynthia Jele, author and journalist Dudu Busani-Dube, and writer Ayanda Xaba. First hosted in 2024 by the Happiness Literary Foundation, it brought together a cross-section of more than 30 South African authors in 15 sessions, as well as a poetry slam and a full children’s programme.
The 2025 edition is set to kick off with a School Outreach Programme at the iLembe District Municipality on Thursday, October 23. It starts with a book donation drive, bringing much-needed resources and inspiration to two local primary schools. The school programme is delivered with the Web Foundation, through its Siyafundasa Donate-a-Book Programme, Nalibalisa, and Macmillan Education South Africa.
On Friday, October 24, there will be a hands-on poetry workshop for emerging poets, followed by a high-energy poetry slam judged by Sindiswa Zulu, Thando Fuze, and Steel The Poet. Hoping to make their mark will be Andisa Zulu, Andiswa Sduduzo, Bandile Nkala, Basanda Mahlaba, Bheki Mfekayi, Chris Fallen, Isoka Elingena Sici, Kathryn Naidoo, Londiwe Maphalala, Lungisani Ngidi, Naledi Mncwango, Ndikhokhele Nomadwayi, Nkosenye Zama, Okwethu Hlongwane, Oluhle Ngcobo, Sfiso Imbongi, Siphiwesenkosi Mthiyane, Sphelele Dlamini, Sumedha Maharaj, Thandoluhle Mtolo, Vusimuzi Khumalo, and Wandile Ncube (Nkosana Kankondlo).
Saturday, October 25, is the day that bibliophiles in KwaDukuza are adviced not to dare miss as more than 20 local and international authors will feature in panel discussions exploring literature, identity, and the future of African storytelling and book signing. They will include Ishmael Beah, Andile Cele, Bobo Lukhele, Bhekinkosi “Maqhuzu” Ngwenya, Fred Khumalo, Jeffrey Rakabe, Karen Jennings, Lebo Mazibuko, Lethu Nkwanyana, Muzi Sikhakhane SC, Mpho Boshego, Muntomuhle Mcambi, Nivashni Nair Sukdhev, Shubnum Khan, Sven Axelrad, S’fundo Sosibo, Sihle Qwabe, Sihle Mthembu, Takalan M, Zibu Sithole, Busisekile Khumalo, Irene Taylor Fynn, and Moshitadi Lehlomela.
The 2025 iLembe Book Festival is made possible through the support of Art Culture SA’s Mzansi Golden Economy Programme, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, the Luthuli Museum, Exclusive Books, Siza Water, and various publishing houses.
To keep up with the events in South Africa, there is the official website or you can follow them on Instagram.
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