Programme

All aboard the playpen safari truck! Join Fitchy, Bobo and their toy animal crew as they set off on a safari around the house, spotting colourful flowers, meeting the “fierce” Buster and discovering magical moments in everyday places. With storytelling, sounds and lots of imagination from talented illustrator Elizabeth Pulles, little explorers will learn that adventure can be found at home. Perfect as a reminder for parents and children to see the world through playful eyes!

Join us for an inspiring session with Zazi, a girl who dreams of dancing but is held back by fear. With encouragement from her parents, Zazi learns to face her fears and listen to her heart. Author Refiloe Moahloli shows us how to celebrate following our dreams and to embrace the support from loved ones. Available in isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, and Afrikaans, this delightful picture book encourages children to dance to their own rhythm!

When the moon is full, it’s time to cook up something very unusual! Join a grandmother and her granddaughter as they toss dragon breath, dodo plumes and other wonderfully weird ingredients into a meteorite cauldron. Expect giggles, gasps and a magical twist at the end. With playful sounds, pretend cooking and lots of imagination, young readers will discover that stories — like stews — are best when shared. Perfect for curious kids who love a sprinkle of the strange from humourous and artistic author Martinus van Tee.

Step into a magical nighttime world where the sky listens, comforts and gives courage. Join us for a beautiful, story-filled session with award-winning illustrator, graphic designer street artist Karabo Poppy, as we meet three animals who learn how to be bold, proud and fearless under the stars. Through lyrical storytelling and stunning artwork, children will explore courage, confidence and the power of believing in themselves. A gentle, inspiring session perfect for dreamers, thinkers and little stars!

In this proudly African story, Mika takes us on a fun-filled adventure to discover the power of Money Badges! Co-written by Standard Bank and Bini Birdies – Little Choices, Big Lessons celebrates smart money habits, the joy of friendship, and the journey towards becoming accountable for one’s decisions. Join Standard Bank Wealth and Investment SA and Xanelé Mennen, co-founder of Bini Birdies, on this uplifting adventure where imagination meets empowerment, and where every child learns that smart money habits start with one little choice at a time.

Join us for a heartwarming session with Zizi, a confident girl with albinism, as she navigates her new school in the big city. When she faces challenges and unkindness, Zizi learns to embrace her uniqueness with the support of her loving parents. This inspiring story encourages children to celebrate individuality and treat others with respect and compassion. Let author Refilwe Modiselle take us on a fun exploration of Zizi’s world together! 

Tara Penny (Hot 102.7FM) follows Nicole Engelbrecht (Bare Bones: Cold Cases from True Crime South Africa), Julian Jansen (The Murder of Deveney Nel) and Nicky Falkof (The Devil Made Me Do It: Understanding Occult Crime in South Africa) into the darkness where bad people do bad things.

Sunday Times Books Editor Jennifer Platt asks Sally Andrew (Tannie Maria 5: Wild Things Never Die), Bonnie Espie (Lifting the Lid: A Winifred and Sylvie Story), Andrea Shaw (Unsolicited: A Detective Fatima Matthews Mystery) and Tracey Farren (Snake) why it’s safe to assume that readers want to curl up with a story about death…

Sewela Langeni (Book Circle Capital) looks back at the impact of noteworthy South Africans with Zodwa Zwane (My Boss: Mrs Winnie Mandela) and Richard Pithouse (Johnny Clegg: Critical Reflections on His Work and Influence).

Nivashni Nair Sukdhev (Pillow Talk), Zibu Sithole (Love, Zola) and Shameez Patel (Next Level Love) celebrate the allure of adoration with Joanne Joseph (Children of Sugarcane).

Popina Khumanda (The Smallest Ones: Two Sisters’ Escape from DRC Rebels and Their Pursuit of Freedom), Rachel Kolisi (Falling Forward: For Every Woman Who’s had to Begin Again) and Dominique Olivier (Lessons from Loss: Life on the Other Side of Grief) recount how struggles have shaped their perspectives and personalities with Zanele Mji (Golden City podcast).

Marshalled by Bronwyn Williams (Survive The AI Apocalypse: A Guide for Solutionists), Mike Nicol (Falls the Shadow), Michael Behr (Confessor Cop: The Detective Who Persuaded Killers To Talk), Kyle Cowan (Mafia Land: Inside South Africa’s Darkest Cartels) and Jeff Wicks (The Shadow State: Why Babita Deokaran Had To Die) uncover what those who should be leading and protecting are really doing…

Veruska De Vita (Deep Blue: Why We Love the Sea), Kay Brown (Treading Water), Lerato Mahlangu (When Water Wants To) and Dyondzo Kwinika (When Water Wants To) dive into their favourite topic with Mila De Villiers (Digital editor, Sunday Times Books).

Eva Mazza (Sex, Lies & Alibis) follows Karina Marais (Upstairs Downstairs: A Musical Memoir) and Melinda Ferguson (Swift: A Memoir) down memory lane.

Swift – A Memoir

FAC: Eva Mazza

Fehmz Jordaan (Damn Good Food) unpacks why flavour matters with Lisa Witepski (freelance food writer)

The ROSA writers are back and this time we are talking Fictional Relationships (and Why We Love/Hate Them)! Is the brooding bad boy romantic… or just a walking red flag? 🚩
In this interactive session, the ROSA panel will throw out fictional relationship scenarios, character behaviours, and popular romance tropes. The audience votes in real time: Green flag 💚, Red flag 🚩 or Plot twist needed 🔀. It’s gonna be super relatable and a whole lot of fun!

Vivid, brave and witty, the sad boy’s starter pack is a reclamation of the self and a homecoming for the lonely and estranged. In this intimate and modern poetry collection, Zubayr Charles shapes what it means to be queer and Coloured in Cape Town. With a master’s in creative writing from the University of Cape Town, his work spans theatre, prose and poetry and he brings a deeply personal lens to his writing. Be prepared for timeless themes to be taken by storm as you swallow your yearly dose of courage, love, grief, nostalgia and tenderness!

Think money is something you only worry about when you’re older? Think again! Join Nokuhle Kumalo for a straight-talking session inspired by her book Boss Your Money. From earning your first pay cheque and avoiding money mistakes to learning how saving and investing actually work, this session breaks down the basics in a fun, relatable way. If you want to make smarter money choices and start building your future now, this conversation is for you.

Meet Maphiri Monama, a fierce and ambitious 12-year-old navigating the ups and downs of Grade 7 at Crowland Prep. Join her as she tackles friendship challenges, entrepreneurial adventures, and her complicated crush on John. With Market Day approaching, Maphiri and her best friend Thembi are determined to create the best pizza stall ever! But will their journey be as smooth as they hope? Discover Maphiri’s exciting story of growth and self-discovery in Maphiri’s Marvellous Money Moves by author Keamogetswe Matsho.

Discover not one but four vibrant, fun stories in the early reading series that follow the daily adventures of the twins, Rorisang and Morena, and their family and friends. These stories are designed to foster a love for reading while exploring themes of community, curiosity, and the joy of everyday South African life. Bestselling author Refiloe Moahloli reads from Surprise, Surprise; Hooray for Holidays!; Stop the Bus; and The Street Party.

Follow the charming adventures of two dogs and their human family, inspired by the author’s journey from fear to love for dogs. With colourful illustrations and relatable family characters, Buffy and Bibby My Dogs by Thembeka Sandi-Maila teaches children about the joy and responsibility of pet care, blending humour with valuable life lessons.

Join us for a tender session featuring Remember Me, by author Leigh Smidt-Hart, a heartwarming picture book about the special bond between Arty and his grandpa. When Arty feels sad after his loss, his mom helps him cherish their joyful memories through storytelling and laughter. This gentle tale introduces young readers to themes of grief and healing, reminding us that love and memories live on in our hearts.

Step into the vibrant world of “Thandi’s Purple Bracelet” and join Thandi on her first day of primary school! As she navigates feelings of fear and acceptance, this uplifting story teaches young readers the importance of empathy, inclusion, and standing proud. With gentle guidance from Gogo and her teacher, Thandi discovers that her purple bracelet is not just a medical alert, but a symbol of safety and strength. Let author Kgothatso Faith Kgogome show us how to celebrate our differences and empower every child to shine!

Meet Neo and Mosa, two best friends who share heart-shaped stones symbolising their bond in the picture book, Butterfly Heart. When Mosa faces a serious illness, Neo learns about the fragility of life and the power of love and memories. This tender story from artist Rebecca Potterton gently explores themes of friendship, loss, and healing, helping young readers navigate grief while celebrating enduring connections.

Alan Knott-Craig (Chasing the Internet: From Backyards to Boardrooms), Mike Stopforth (52 Big Questions for Business Leaders) and James Urdang (It Always Seems Impossible: My Fight to Build and Save Education Africa) take readers to the business end with Georgina Guedes (Head of People, Brand & Governance, Executive Communities).

Ntombifuthi Nkabinde (In the Late of Night), Joy Watson (Because, I Love You) and Jackie Phamotse (The Advocate) argue that bad can sometimes be good with Hannah Botsis (A Clergyman’s Daughter).

Dion Chang (A Pawfect Life: The Ultimate Guide to Pet Parenting) and Caitlin Venniker (Unleashed: A Vet’s Memoir of Heartache, Hairballs and Hope) confirm that animals are better than people with Bruce Dennill (pARTicipate).

Sally Cranswick (Women out of Water and Above all Things We Need Hope), Dominique Botha (The Crying Bride & Other Hallucinations), MA Kelly (The Limbo Circus & Other Stories) and David Mann (Once Removed: Short Stories) celebrate the short story and its strengths with Anna Stroud (Who Looks Inside).

Join us for an insightful conversation as Standard Bank Chief Economist, Goolam Ballim, unpacks the drivers of rising geopolitical instability and uncertainty across the global landscape. This forward-looking discussion will explore how shifting power dynamics, escalating geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, regional alliances and policy realignments are reshaping global, continental and domestic markets.

Rizwana Bawa (F/NE For Good) chats about the significance of the past with Yunnus Carrim (Attacking the Heart of Apartheid: The ANC’s MK Special Operations Unit), Lebo Diseko (The House at 6001: A Memoir of Uprising and Exile) and Lidia Rauch (Apartheid’s Granddaughter).

Emma Sadleir (How Not to Mess Up Online: A Teenager’s Guide to not Getting Catfished, Sued, Arrested, Cancelled or Addicted) and Cindy Poluta (The Teen Junction podcast) field questions from hosts of The Great Equalizer Sam Herbst and Charlene Armstrong.

Sipho Hotstix Mabuse (Lessons from My Father: A Celebration of Fatherhood) and Yewande Omotoso (Lessons from My Father: A Celebration of Fatherhood) unpack the impact of fathers on families with Michael Boyd (The Weight of Shade).

Wine expert Michael Fridjhon wanders Cape vineyards with Brigid Hamilton-Russell (Red Tape: The Untold Story of a Visionary South African’s Battle Against Bureaucracy, and The Birth of a World-Renowned Wine Region) and Emile Joubert (Meerlust: Beyond the Rubicon).

Are you fascinated by space, intrigued by technology or inspired to protect the planet? Science Pathfinder: A Teen Guide to Science Careers by Thato Gweja & Evodia Setati is your launchpad into the world of STEM. Designed as a practical career book for teens in Grades 8 to 12, this vibrant guide explores over 30 science disciplines and more than 200 exciting career paths—from robotics, marine biology and forensic science to oenology and environmental engineering. Take part in our Career Roadmap Micro-Workshop and find out how to set your career on a path to the stars!

It’s not easy being a famous television star especially when you must navigate your first day at high school ever! 🌟 As she longs to be a ‘normal’ teen, Lexi James faces school bullies, an online stalker, and family challenges. Through fun activities and discussions, with author Pamela Newham, uncover Lexi’s journey of self-discovery and the importance of friendship in My Three Names. Can Lexi find her true self amidst the chaos? Let’s find out together!

All the Saints is the tragicomic coming of age tale for our time and traces the misadventures of Isaac ‘Izzy’ Kingston, a recent matriculant and newly minted varsity dropout – told in a style as eccentric as South Africa itself. There are laughs and gut punches aplenty delivered by author Wesley Roodt, who reflects on the systems that shape young people and the ways those systems can produce both community and isolation. Join Wesley for a fun and poignant session about belonging and the pressure to conform.

Who keeps the African wilderness thriving? And who works together to survive? Discover the answers in this fun, high-energy session with author Roslynn Toerien! Meet the incredible scavengers who keep nature clean and explore amazing animal friendships — from unlikely partnerships to perfect teamwork. Through movement, sounds, matching games and “foraging” fun, children will learn how animals help each other and their environment. A lively, interactive celebration of teamwork, survival and nature’s hidden heroes!

Join us for a heartwarming session featuring Milani’s Gift by Lebo Mazibuko. Milani loves to sing but is too shy to share her voice. When her father encourages her to perform at school, she freezes in fear. Can her teacher, Mrs. Jiya, help her find the courage to shine? This inspiring picture book about overcoming fear and sharing your gifts is perfect for young readers, available in multiple languages.

Join creator and storyteller, Tshireletso Moloi, for a fun and inspiring session as she launches Brave, Bright & Brilliant Women, a colouring and storybook. Discover amazing stories of strong women from Africa and learn how their journeys shape who we are today.

Join us for a fun-filled session celebrating the re-release of Dancing Duiker, presented by the author’s granddaughter, Busi Chaane. Let your child’s imagination soar as they colour whimsical scenes, like a gorilla giving a goat a guava or a tortoise taking a taxi to town. With 26 silly adventures, this engaging book combines learning the alphabet with writing and colouring, ensuring laughter and creativity on every page!

Meet Fiki Fakade and her identical twin sister, Nosisa. While Fiki loves playing tricks on others, Nosisa is kind and friendly. When Fiki faces the consequences of her behaviour, she must decide if it’s too late to change. Join the author’s granddaughter, Kethiwe Ngcobo, for an engaging session where Fiki Learns To Like Other People, a delightful story that teaches valuable lessons about kindness and friendship!

Little African wild animals celebrate their unique bond with their amazing mothers, sharing the special things they do for them. As they forge friendships, each animal narrates what makes their mother special. This delightful story, Amazing Mothers of the Savanna, written by Esther Keats, highlights love, appreciation, and the beauty of family in the wild.

Join us outside by the gazebo for a fun-filled session featuring music and dance with author Salamina Mosese! Follow Neo, who loves adventures but sometimes feels scared. With his brave sister Thandi’s clever gift of an invisible blanket, Neo learns to face his fears—whether it’s climbing the tallest tree or starting at a new school. This inspiring story encourages bravery and self-belief, available in multiple languages!

Climb aboard Sara’s hot air balloon as she travels across South Africa visiting friends and discovering all the beautiful ways to say thank you! Through rhyme, rhythm and shared food, young readers will learn words of gratitude in our country’s many languages — even sign language. Expect singing, waving, clapping and plenty of audience participation in this joyful celebration of kindness, culture and connection from one of our best children’s authors, Refiloe Moahloli. Perfect for little language lovers and big-hearted adventurers!

Join us for an out-of-this-world adventure with “Farting in Outer Space” by Nick Clelland! This colourful and humorous picture book explores the themes of gender and acceptance, reminding us that girls and boys are all human—and that’s something to celebrate! Get ready for giggles and engaging discussions as we discover how differences can bring us together, one funny fart at a time!

Join us for a magical journey with Ausi in Ausi Told Me: The Secrets of Nature by author and super teacher, Kelly Collier. This beautifully illustrated picture book invites young readers to explore the connections between earth, water, fire, wind, and the stars. Guided by wise Ausi, children learn to respect nature, read animal tracks, and celebrate the sacredness of Mother Earth. Let’s uncover the wonders of nature together and honour its precious gifts!

Join Soso as she celebrates her 10th birthday with a new smartphone! While exploring games and videos, she learns the importance of balancing screen time with outdoor fun and friendships. In this interactive session for ages 6-10, kids will engage in activities that help them manage technology while also enjoying the real world. Let’s see how author Bosele Boikanyo Teke helps Soso find the perfect balance together!

Join author Josephine Pieters for a magical storytelling session filled with clever cats, big adventures, and important life lessons! In the latest heartwarming tales from The Hollander’s Cat collection, young readers will discover how teamwork can solve big problems in Milk and Vegetables, and how friendship and kindness matter most in Things and Friends. With the help of one very clever cat, children will explore what it means to work together, support one another, and value the people (and animals!) in their lives. A fun, feel-good session celebrating friendship, teamwork, and the power of community—perfect for curious young minds.

Nozipho Tshabalala (After the Fires: Unlocking the Power of Letting Go), Rachel Kolisi (Falling Forward: For Every Woman Who’s had to Begin Again) and Tebogo “ProVerb” Thekisho (To Health with It!: Reset, Realign and Redefine Your Health, Wealth and Happiness) revisit the difficult times they’ve been through and the lessons they’ve learned along the way, under the gentle guidance of Dr Alma-Nalisha Cele (The Cheeky Natives podcast).

Poets Les Morison (The Savagery of Sundays) and Zubayr Charles (The Sad Boy’s Starter Pack) perform their work under the baton of Craig Higginson (The Ghost of Sam Webster).

Mandy Wiener (The Deal: Inside the Talks that Shaped South Africa’s Future) and Tara Roos (Where to from Here?: Populism and coalition politics in South Africa) discuss whether what is said in the corridors of power and what happens outside them lines up – at all – with Joy Watson (Because, I Love You).

Jonathan Ancer (The Three Comma Club), Gus Silber (The Three Comma Club) and Carlos Amato (This Is Wild: The Best of Carlos) consider whether or not the rich are worth banking on with Nivashni Nair Sukdhev (Pillow Talk).

Trade, investment and technology flows are increasingly shaped by geopolitics rather than pure cost or comparative advantage. Join Alan Wellburn, Head of Wealth Management at Standard Bank Wealth and Investment SA, Mike Laws, Head of Investments at Melville Douglas, and Mamokete Lijane, Global Markets Strategist at Standard Bank, as they explore how shifting power dynamics, regional conflicts, trade fragmentation, and policy unpredictability are influencing market volatility, asset allocation decisions, and capital flows. The conversation will consider strategies that can be adopted to preserve capital, manage risk and preserve wealth during times of uncertainty.

GG Alcock (KasiNomics Unleashed), Hannah Dawson (Making A Life: Young Men on Johannesburg’s Urban Margins) and Tanya Zack (The Chaos Precinct: Johannesburg As A Port City) discuss the city’s challenges and hidden opportunities with Zanele Mji (Golden City podcast).

David Bristow (Loony Birds, Lion Men and the Snake that was a Gerbil – 20 of the Best Bush Tales From Southern Africa), José A Neves (Walking Wild: Hiking the Length of the Kruger National Park) and Colin Bell (The Last Lions) wander deep into the wild with Tony Park (Die By The Sword).

Former Constitutional Court judge Edwin Cameron discusses Behind Prison Walls: Unlocking a Safer South Africa, his book about the need for reform of our country’s criminal punishment systems, with Joanne Joseph (Children of Sugarcane).

Renowned cook and food writer Illse van der Merwe (Timeless SA) shares her 101 top iconic South African recipes with The Citizen’s Sbu Mkwanazi.

Author Mike Nicol started writing in his teens and published his first book in 1978. He has written twenty-nine novels, works of non-fiction, and volumes of poetry and his latest offering is Falls the Shadow. His thrillers are published in the UK and the USA, and have been translated into Afrikaans, Dutch, French, and German. He has been shortlisted for the VN Thriller of the Year award in Holland and the Prix SCNF Du Polar 2016 in France. And he is here at KBF26 to help you make your ideas come alive on the page! Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to learn from the best!

Join us for a powerful workshop facilitated by the author of Stop Bullying Me!, Louise Elsa, designed for teens and young people ready to confront bullying head-on! This session will equip you with practical tools and strategies to combat bullying at school and online. Learn to identify bullying behaviours, assert yourself, and build resilience through real stories and expert insights. Together, we’ll empower each other to reclaim our voices and create a kinder environment. Don’t let bullying define you—act and stand tall! 

Through the eyes of Maryam, a 16-year-old girl from Cape Town, navigate the intricacies of first love, cultural expectations, and her own insecurities in Some Unspoken Thing. As she grapples with her feelings, Maryam must decide if she has the courage to let her heart lead the way, even if it means stepping out of the shadows and into the light. Join author Rushdiyah Narker, in conversation with Shameez Patel, for an exploration of the complexities of first love and friendships and have fun writing your own love letter to your crush (anonymity guaranteed!)

Tara Roos (Where to from Here?) and Democratic Alliance mayoral candidate Helen Zille ponder whether Joburg’s future is still golden with Jeff Wicks (The Shadow State: Why Babita Deokaran Had To Die).

Lorraine Sithole (Bookworms Book Club) looks at love in the lokshin and beyond with Lebo Mazibuko (Fabrics of Love), Thandi Moagi (Wisani and the Bafokeng Brothers) and Nadia Cassim (Not Another Samoosa Run!).

Adrian Saville (It’s About Tyme: Banking Beyond Borders), Erin Torkelson (Predatory Welfare: Debt, Race, and Cash Transfers) and Phuthuma Nhleko (The Invisible People: How a Quarter of Humanity Could Thrive by 2050) imagine a continent’s return on investment with Jonathan Ancer (The Three Comma Club).

There’s nothing artificial about the intelligence of Sharon Pearce (Survive the AI Apocalypse: A Guide for Solutionists), Bronwyn Williams (Survive the AI Apocalypse: A Guide for Solutionists) and Arthur Goldstuck (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI: The African Edge) as they explore the impact of AI with Gus Silber (The Three Comma Club).

In a world where AI, automation and rapid technological change are reshaping how we work and live, adaptability has become more than a competitive edge, it is a foundational skill for survival. Join Abdullah Verachia, author, global strategist, and CEO, and Musa Kalenga, Group Chief Executive of the Brave Group, author and keynote speaker as they explore the contrast between mastering the latest technologies and becoming more adaptable. Grounded in the idea of “Reset, Rewire and Reimagine,” the discussion highlights adaptability as the defining capability for leaders, organisations, and individuals to remain relevant and impactful in an ever‑shifting world.

Craig Wilkinson (Force for Good – The Power of Healthy Masculinity) explores how to be a better father, son, brother and general human being with Marion Scher (Men & Mental Health: Shattering the Silence), Dr Njabulo James Nkosi (Father of Man: The 5 Ideals to Build Better Men) and Dr Mzamo Masito (This Country Hates Our Men Boys: Boy, You are On Your Own).

David Cornwell (Hell of a Country), Sally Cranswick (Of All Things We Need Hope) and Imraan Coovadia (An Enemy of the People) explore the tangled intersections where human beings confront betrayal, injustice and loss and the choices they make between retribution and forgiveness with Karen Lane (@NeedARead).

Juliet Prowse (Born to Dance: The Extraordinary Life Story of My Aunt: Juliet E Prowse) talks to Bruce Dennill (pARTicipate) about her namesake aunt’s A-list Hollywood life.

Jenny Morris (Greedy Girl) chats to Hilary Biller (The Step-by-Step Cookbook) about adding a “side of sass” to all her dishes.

Ever wondered what it’s really like to become a vet? Join Caitlin Venniker as she shares the funny, chaotic, and sometimes emotional moments from her journey from vet school to real-life practice. From dramatic pet emergencies and cows with serious attitude to awkward moments with pet owners, Unleashed: A Vet’s Memoir of Heartache, Hairballs and Hope reveals the truth about working with animals. If you love animals—or dream of becoming a vet—this session is for you!

Ditch the doomscrolling for deep dives! This high-energy session reveals how conversation cards are the ultimate life hack for young adults and parents looking for new ways to connect. Learn to bypass “dry” small talk and master the art of “real talk” to build unbreakable bonds. Level up your emotional intelligence, unlock self-awareness, and transform awkward silences into authentic connections. Ready to vibe on a deeper level? Join Rumbi Munyaradzi for this session and come willing to engage.

Parents welcome

Our pets already run our lives, now they can inspire a new business idea/side hustle. 

Join trend analyst Dion Chang for a fun and interactive session inspired by his book A Pawfect Life. Discover how pets are shaping modern lifestyles and creating a new global pet economy.  You’ll discover how young entrepreneurs are creating products and services for pet parents obsessed with their fur babies. And now, you can too.

Sally Andrew (Recipes to Live For (A Tannie Maria Cookbook)) asks Tony Jackman (Retro Karoo Food: 80 Nostalgic South African Recipes) and Fehmz Jordaan (Damn Good Food) about writing about the dishes they create.

Melinda Ferguson (Swift : A Memoir) guides Moshitadi Lehlomela (Healing the Mother Wound: A Guide that Will Change Your Life), Michelle Roniak (Undone: Healing from a Botched Surgery) along the path to a better place.

Kamanee Govender (Stern Gods), Zubayr Charles (Haram) and Wesley Roodt (All the Saints) explain how characters need qualities of all kinds with Craig Higginson (The Ghost of Sam Webster).

Gareth Crocker (Now You Bleed: A Ruben Ellis Thriller), Tony Park (Die by the Sword), Marina Auer (Three Echoes), and Mpho Boshego (Diplomatic Ties) keep readers in suspense while answering questions about creating thrillers from Amy Heydenrych (Bad Luck Penny).

Featuring a performance followed by a discussion, the star (Julie-Anne McDowell) and director (Charmaine Weir Smith) of the play My Name Is Lucy Barton (How Now Brown Cow Productions) explore what it takes to effectively take a story from the page to the stage with Pamela Power (My Year of Not Getting Sh*tfaced).

Sue Nyathi (An Angel’s Demise) discovers the challenges of keeping the faith with Hannah Botsis (A Clergyman’s Daughter: A Memoir), Maren Bodenstein (The Sinners’ Bench) and Zakhe Mazibuko (Preacher, Let My People Go: Is Tithing for Us Today?).

Sven Axelrad (The Dogs of Vivo), Michiel Heyns: (The Wildest Beauty) and Joseph Howse (The Circus and The Atom) discuss what makes fiction ‘literary’ with Shakti Pillay (Jonathan Ball).

What emerges when the line between history and personal narrative blurs? Join Dominique Botha (The Crying Bride & Other Hallucinations) for an immersive exploration of memory, identity, and South Africa’s past.

Jane Griffiths (Jane’s Delicious Natural Solution for Pests and Diseases) shares how to grow food in harmony with nature with Tamara LePine-Williams (Chair of the Johannesburg Garden Club).