Sanelisiwe Nyaba is a multimodal artist, writer, co-researcher and food activist. She is currently serving as a Board Member to Food Agency Cape Town, a co-research led organisation doing food researchers in communities in Cape [...]
Pralini Naidoo is a poet, storyteller, writing facilitator, and editor. She has authored Wild has Roots, a collection of poems, reflections and short stories. Her poems centre primarily on the meditative art of noticing the [...]
We are thrilled to announce the Youth Fest 2026 lineup of events, filled with wonderful authors, creatives and activities!These events are the perfect way to incorporate the world of literature into the lives of our [...]
Yanga Gceya, also known as Yanga Gee, is a dynamic MC, storyteller, and poet whose work blends art, activism, and education. Originally from Umtata and now based in Cape Town, Yanga has hosted events for [...]
Zingisa Mase is the author of a children’s book titled We are Our Names. She is a Legal Administrative Assistant at Kavuro & Associates, a Parliamentary Research & Report Writer for the Parliamentary Monitoring Group, [...]
Lwandiso Ntanga is a senior bookseller at The Book Lounge in Cape Town and has been since 2007. He remains, and forever will be, father and grandfather to many.
Sino Hashe is the Community Reading Programme Facilitator at Little Zebra Books. With a background in teaching and a deep passion for literacy, she brings stories to life through interactive storytelling that actively engages listeners. [...]
Mihlali Bele is a Magnet Theatre Alumna, proudly showcasing her skills in acting, singing, voice narration, and object manipulation, particularly in the art of puppetry. She has left her mark in notable productions like The [...]
Elsibe Loubser McGuffog is a writer of poetry and children’s books and an educator. She is a self-taught fine artist and her fabric art has been exhibited at various galleries. Elsibe’s first poems appeared in [...]
Climate Lounge is an arts project for restorative socio-environmental justice whilst DearTomorrow inspires people to imagine the future and their place within it, and to share their vision in a personal letter to the next [...]
Monique Fallows, alongside her husband, Chris, has worked with great white sharks at Seal Island in Cape Town, South Africa, for 22 years as eco-tourism operators and photographers. Together they have contributed to research by [...]
Martinus van Tee is a versatile South African illustrator, animator, and caricature artist known for his humorous and whimsical creations. Born in Johannesburg, Martinus honed his artistic skills at the National School of Arts in [...]
Rushdiyah Narker is a Cape Town based author who drafts stories that focus on love, culture, and identity. Growing up surrounded by family wedding planning and having worked as an entrepreneur in the wedding industry [...]
Upile uThixo Bongco is a multi-award-winning actress, published author, vocal artist and dramatic arts facilitator. She graduated with her BHons in Drama in 2018 and her BA in Drama and Psychology in 2017 at Rhodes [...]
Open Book Festival kicks off next week, and this is a final call to ensure you don’t miss what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of literature and ideas.Main Hub: HCC Homecoming CentreLocated on the corner [...]
With Open Book Festival 2025 fast approaching, we’re back with five more themes that capture the soul of this year’s programme.1. Identity & BelongingBuilding on the Past sees Foluso Agbaje, Zara Julius, and Patric Tariq Mellet [...]
We know our packed programme can feel overwhelming—so many incredible conversations to choose from! That’s why we’re spotlighting five crucial themes that run through this year’s programme, helping you connect with the topics that matter [...]
Usuf Chikte is Emeritus Professor of Health Systems and Public Health at Stellenbosch University. He formerly served as Executive Head of the Department of Global Health and as Associate Dean in the Faculty of Medicine [...]
After months of anticipation, we’re thrilled to announce that the Open Book Festival 2025 programme is now live on our website, and you can secure your place at this year’s most anticipated literary celebration taking [...]
Kealeboga Mase Ramaru is a Black African feminist organiser and activist dedicated to advancing social justice, equity, and feminist movement building. Her work is rooted in strengthening collective power, centring marginalised voices, and fostering community-led [...]
