The Khayelitsha Book Festival 2025, with the theme “We Read, We Write: A Declaration…” will take place in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa, from September 26 to 28, 2025.
Khayelitsha Book Festival is a celebration of reading, writing, and storytelling rooted in the heart of one of South Africa’s most dynamic communities. Founded by Zimkhitha Zilo in 2021, it brings together local authors, poets, educators, and young readers to affirm the importance of literacy as a tool for empowerment, identity, and change. Through book launches, panel discussions, performances, and workshops, the festival inspires a love for literature and creates space for voices from Khayelitsha and beyond to be heard, shared, and celebrated. Zimkhitha Zilo is also the founder of South African publisher uHlanga Books, which marked a decade in business at the Open Book Festival 2025.
The 2025 edition will be hosted under the theme “We Read, We Write: A Declaration…” at Kilombo Village, 1 Joe Modise St, Mandela Park, Khayelitsha, Cape Town, starting today. There will be readings, panel discussions, a section for children, live performances, and loads more.
The festival will host, among others, Thobeka Yose, Nompumelelo Ngcobo, Themalethu Seyisi, Wanelisa Xaba, Thiyane Duda, Atha, Mncedisi Mdingi, Athambile Masola, Mthunzikazi, Chumile Sali, and Mthuthu Ndebele, among others. Zukiswa Wanner, who was scheduled to be a festival keynote speaker and featured in the event’s communication, will not be able to attend as she is currently on the Global Sumud Flotilla headed to Gaza.
You can get tickets for this event here.
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