Programme

Set in the alleyway of a bustling restaurant, this story follows a mouse and two unlikely friends. A Big Plate of Kindness is a wholesome story about discovering kindness, forgiveness and generosity. Join author Michelle Linde for a reading which will be followed by an interactive discussion game “The Kindness Chain” – a visual representation of the impact kindness and generosity can have.

In The Dreamhouse Adventures every night, Verity’s magical house whisks her away on enchanting adventures — from sandy beaches to mysterious forests. But as Verity grows older, the house stops waking up. Just when she thinks her adventures are over, Verity discovers a new kind of magic: exploring the world with her family. Let author Lauren O’Connor-May show kids that the best adventures are the ones you share with those you love!

Amy Heydenrych (Chasing Marian) examines the creation of the powerful women at the centre of the works of Zukiswa Wanner (Love Marry Kill), Michelle Kekana (The Fragile Mental Health of Strong Women) and Qarnita Loxton (What’s Wrong with June?).

Nerine Kahn chairs a meeting of minds with Tony Leon (Being There: Backstories from the Political Front), Stephen Grootes (Host of the Money Show and Daily Maverick Associate Editor), and Busani Ngcaweni (Public policy practitioner & Author) decide if there’s any good GNUs for South Africa.

Nicole Engelbrecht (Killer Stories: Conversations with South African Serial Murderers; and Sizzlers) knows how to write a true-life killer story, and lets Pamela Power (My Year of Not Getting Sh*tfaced) in on her insights.

Mila de Villiers (Sunday Times) gets taken on a tour of South Africa’s most complex city by Nickolaus Bauer (Great Johannesburg: What Happened? How to Save an African Economic Giant), Ted Botha (Hollywood on the Veld: When Movie Mayhem Gripped the City of Gold) and Niq Mhlongo (The City is Mine: A Novel).

Deon Lamprecht (Blood Brothers: To Battleground Smokeshell and Back), James Whyle (We Two From Heaven: A Memoir) and Justin Fox (Hell Run Tobruk) make sense of conflict with Nic Rosslee (Humanball – a leadership journey in South African Rugby) marshalling the troops.

Tom Dawson-Squibb (Humanball – a leadership journey in South African Rugby), Khanyiso Tshwaku and Lloyd Burnard (Twice The Glory: The Making of the Greatest Bok Team in History) explore how sporting strategy become stratospheric success with Zanele Mji (Journalist).

Fatima Saib (The Hungry Table) revisits the food that was a backdrop to her childhood with Tamara LePine-Williams (Salle Manger)

It is 2003 – ten years since Spud Milton’s class of 93 matriculated and the boys went their separate ways. Despite their seemingly unbreakable bond, the Crazy Eight – Rambo, Mad Dog, Vern, Fatty, Garth Garlic, Boggo, Simon and Spud – have not kept in touch. Or at least, not as far as Spud knows. Then he receives an invitation … Travel back in time with bestselling author, playwright and actor, John van de Ruit as he discusses the newest book in the hugely popular series: Spud – The Reunion.

Antoinette McDonald’s journalling workshop at last year’s book fair was a sell out so make sure to book your spot early! The benefits of journalling are many like reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing self-awareness, improving mood, facilitating problem-solving, boosting creativity, promoting better sleep, aiding in goal setting, improving memory, and providing a space to process emotions. Life skills for everyone!

Be uplifted by the inspiring and affirming story of actress, celebrity stylist and Lux’s first gender-non-conforming brand ambassador, Tshiamo Modisane in her book I Am Tshiamo. Hers is a journey of both self-doubt and self-belief that culminated in gender-affirmation surgery in her thirties. Join the discussion around unconditional acceptance and womanhood in this important and enlightening session.

We examine how behavioural influences, particularly through the lens of social media, shape decision-making among the Next Generation as they navigate life in a hyper-connected world. Our expert panel, including the co-founder of Klikd, Sarah Hoffman, offer their perspectives on behavioural bias, peer pressure and the impact of herd mentality.

Brought to you by Standard Bank Wealth and Investment

Vusumzi Ngxande (Journey Kwantu: Exploring African Spirituality and Identity), Rorisang Thandekiso (Disciple: Walking with God) and Sarah Bullen (The Other Side: Journeys into Mysticism, Magic and Near Death) take readers beyond the physical realm, with Sue Nyathi (Positively Me) as their spirit guide.

In A Thousand Eyes on You, local author Mia Arderne weaves an urban fantasy against the backdrop of the generational trauma of Apartheid, gentrification, mental challenges, domestic violence, and loss but at its heart is the love story of Tyler and Cayla. When you start growing wings or a tail a thousand eyes will be most certainly be watching you …
Are you intrigued?

By way of an imaginary friend, author Sewela Langeni will connect with her young audience to Make Friends with Feelings using engaging words and dynamic illustrations. She will then take them on a journey to discover the wonders of nature as they explore and learn about the amazing animals that call the Joburg Zoo their home in Luba Goes to The Zoo.

In this treasure map adventure tale like no other, author Claudine Storbeck hides Filbert and his friends along the way for you to spot, as well as a whole number of other items. Filbert Frog and Friends is a search and find adventure book with a twist and can be quite tricky so bring your A game!

Join Esther Keats for a highly engaging exploration of birds in nature for children up to the age of 13. In My First Book of Kruger Birds: Birding by Fives learn to locate, identify, observe, and connect with these specific birds in a fun, interactive and accessible way. Not just for Kruger – for any park in SA.

With stories of elephants getting married or snakes getting tied in knots, The Tame Ways of Wild Animals is guaranteed to evoke a sense of wonder. These four short stories by local author Irma Raspel make up a fun world of animal antics and aim to instil a love of nature in South Africa’s young generation.

Bongi, who loves spooky things and hates anything girly, is cast as a grasshopperturned-horse in her ballet school’s “Cinderella” concert. But when strange things start happening at the theatre—missing shoes, vanishing costumes, eerie noises—Bongi suspects that the theatre is haunted. Author Kristien Potgieter brings us another fabulous and fun adventure in Bongi Ballerina Takes A Bow.

Join acclaimed children’s author Refiloe Moahloli and discover the enchanting treasury of songs and poems she has compiled especially for children in the rainbow nation’s 11 official spoken languages, each accompanied by an English translation. All That I Am, is a celebration of language, culture, and the power of storytelling. Bring your voices for this one!

In the heart of Soweto, Gogo’s Goodies Spaza transforms into a culinary battleground during The Great Soweto Cook-Off! But Gogo Tina and Tumi soon realise there’s more to cooking than they thought, as things go from bad to worse. Cook Off at Gogo’s Spaza by Salamina Mosese promises to cook up a whole lot of fun!

Join Ouma Katrina Esau on her inspiring journey and discover the power of language and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. In Golden Girl author Lorato Trok we will discover a language that sings the songs of the land and stories of hunters and gatherers, of starry nights and connections to our ancestors.

Sasha really doesn’t like feeling sad. But when sadness does visit her heart, she meets George, her very own Sad Panda. Together, they embark on a journey to understand that sadness is only temporary and that it’s okay to feel it. With warmth and wisdom, Sasha and George learn to welcome their emotions instead of fearing them. Sasha and The Sad Panda is the fourth book by psychologist, Ashley Jay.

Ayen has a dream: she wants to dance. Her parents don’t think it’s a good idea, because how can she dance when she’s deaf and can’t hear the music? But Ayen is determined to prove that she can, she just needs to do it a little differently – and with a little help from an unexpected place. In the second book in the Once Upon A Sign series author Nancy Gaylard shows children that they can overcome obstacles and make their dreams come true.

Shameez Patel (Playing Flirty), Jo Watson (The Ex Effect) and Lindsay Norman (Khaki Fever) do their best to convince Lorraine Sithole (Bookworms Book Club) that love still conquers all – between their book covers, at least. 

Penny Haw (Follow Me To Africa: A Novel), Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu (The Creation of Half-Broken People) and Louisa Treger (The Paris Muse) discuss facets of historical fiction – beyond the period in which it’s set – that really matter with Michael Boyd (Weight of Shade).

Jennifer Platt (Sunday Times) asks Juliette Mnqeta (If the Dead Could Talk), Marina Auer (Single Minded) and Kurt Ellis (Deadly Benefits) why murder is so appealing.

Chris Pappas and Sandile Mnikathi (Saving South Africa: Lessons from the uMngeni Municipality Success Story), Tony Leon (Being There: Backstories from the Political Front) and Pieter du Toit (The Super Cadres: ANC Misrule in the Age of Deployment) lay out the possibilities of politicians doing some good with Mandy Wiener (Behind the Door)

Merle Levin (World According to Merle: Memoir of a Deliciously Daring Granny), Costa Ayiotis (Matriarchs, Meze and the Evil Eye: A Memoir) and Glenn Orsmond (Crash and Burn: A CEO’s Crazy Adventures in the SA Airline Industry) tell Karina Szcurek (Karavan Press) about their weird uncles and the strange lady from the office.

Gareth Crocker (Now You Suffer), Onke Mazibuko (Canary) and Gail Schimmel (The Finish Line) leave the answers to Bruce Dennill’s (pARTicipate) questions right until the end in a discussion about twists in the tale.

David Lambkin (Whisper of Death) and Tony Park (The Protector) aim to persuade Rolland Simpi Motaung (Freelance Arts Writer) that car chases, guns and helicopters are exactly what readers want.

Chantal Lascaris (All Sorts of Junk Food Made Healthy) shows how better ingredients can make favourite dishes better for your body with Hot 102.7’s Tara Penny.

The world is changing at a pace previously unheard of. Are you anxious or excited about thriving in the uncertain decade ahead? Do you need insights to pre-empt and solve the challenges and problems you may face?  Let futurist Deon Chang, co-author of The Future help you to successfully navigate and futureproof your career by negotiating the key trends that affect South Africa, the world and where we are going. Are you ready?

Revealing the dramas and humour inherent to small-town life in South Africa is author Vanessa Govender as she invites you to journey alongside a mixed-race family as they navigate the quirky and often challenging terrain of a close-knit village, where Govender is one of the few people of Indian descent. The Village Indian is a book that reminds us that adventure and inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places. Be prepared to laugh!

Dive straight into this gripping young adult mystery thriller where every twist leaves you breathless and no one is safe. Award winning author Sally Partridge talks about her protagonist Zelda Scott who finds herself in deep water on an island cut off from civilisation with a killer on the loose. Slaying in Sedgefield places her in a group of glamorous teens with an unsettling dynamic and secrets for days! What would you do in her shoes?

Join us for an insightful conversation as Standard Bank Chief Economist, Goolam Ballim and Global Markets Head of Sales Trading, Tom Gale share their views on the economic implications of shifting global power structures and current geopolitical influences on the markets. We also explore how investors can assess the resilience of their portfolios amid ongoing market volatility.

Brought to you by Standard Bank Wealth and Investment

Think you can come up with a swoon-worthy story faster than you can say “love triangle”? Join the romance pros from ROSA (Romance Writers of South Africa) for a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud session where YOU throw the plot twists, and THEY turn them into epic love stories – on the spot! From secret crushes to awkward meet-cutes, no idea is too wild.

Perfect for readers, writers, and daydreamers aged 13+

Zulaikha Patel began her activism at the age of 13, when she started a movement called Stop Racism at Pretoria High School for Girls, because the rules at her high school said that black girls had to straighten their natural curly hair. Her stance sparked a countrywide movement. She is ready to share with you how she became a voice for change at such an early age in Brave Like Me.

This is a delightful collection of short stories about two children whose parents work in a game reserve. Author Mike Anderson has told these tales to his own grandchildren who love them and always ask for more! Join Thandi & Tumela on their adventures and see for yourself!

Who is the Hollander’s Cat? He is a feline who just happens to find himself in the middle of some pretty exciting adventures! Join author Josephine Pieters as she shows us that life has consequences and important events have a way of bringing people together in her books about The Hollander’s Cat and The Fire On The Mountain.

Meet Kimya, a 9-year-old with a big imagination and even bigger dreams of becoming a writer! When a bike goes missing at school and the blame starts flying, Kimya must dig deep, ask the right questions, and listen to both sides of the story before reporting the truth on her blog. Join author Shafinaaz Hassim for a lively reading from Kimya Writes and the Mystery of the Melting Trees, followed by a fun and interactive discussion about how you can become a storyteller too! We’ll explore how writing our own stories helps us grow important life skills like empathy, honesty, and standing up for what’s right.

John van de Ruit (Spud: The Reunion) and Louisa Treger (The Paris Muse) unpack with Qarnita Loxton (What’s Wrong with June?) how the richness of the past can be translated into the entertainment of the present.

Alistair Mackay (The Lucky Ones) and Sven Axelrad (The Nicotine Gospel) process versions of the past with Jarred Thompson (The Institute for Creative Dying: A Novel).

Mandy Wiener (Behind The Door) honours the integrity of Karyn Maughan (I Will Not Be Silenced), Vanessa Govender Tedder (The Village Indian) and Jonathan Jansen (Breaking Bread: A Memoir), whose work may not always thrill their real-life protagonists.

Bonnie Espie (Making A Killing) and Paige Nick (Book People: A Novel) revel in the reality that, for writers, crime does pay with Gail Schimmel (The Finish Line).

Vanessa Raphaely (We Were Perfect Parents Until We Had Children: 60 000 Village Families Share Their Wisdom) and Duduzile Nhlabathi-Madonsela (The Dating Playbook: How to Win at Mjolo and Love) confirm that nobody’s perfect with Pamela Power (My Year of Not Getting Sh*tfaced).

Peter-Adrian Altini (Salt Water Pool Boy) and Charl-Pierre Naudé (The Equality of Shadows) discuss style and complexity with Craig Higginson (The Ghost of Sam Webster).

Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo (The Syndicate of Twenty-Two Natives), Bongani Ngqulunga (Ulibambe Lingashoni! The Centenary History of Ilanga lase Natal Newspaper) and Chris Pappas (Saving South Africa: Lessons from the uMngeni Municipality Success Story) consider the future of ‘The Last Outpost’ alongside Joanne Joseph (Children of Sugarcane)?

Hilary Biller and Elmarie Berry (The Table: The Heartbeat of the Home) take readers’ tastebuds on a trip.

Discover the incredible unknown stories of the innovation and ingenuity of Africans who are solving African problems for African people in We Were Always Here: Stories of Black Inventors Across the African Diaspora. Co-authors Dr Candice Bailey, Lerato Makate and Sizwe Malinga will spotlight the inventors who struggled to have their inventions recognised under relentless racism in the past, and, in the modern era, who found the answers to issues faced by people every day. Prepare to be inspired!

Melinda Ferguson’s writing is characterized by its raw honesty, exploring themes of addiction, recovery, and personal transformation. Her book When Love Kills – the Tragic Tale of AKA and Anele delved deep into the heartbreaking relationship between the slain rapper and his girlfriend. Melinda is gritty, unapologetic, uncompromising and takes the world head on. She personifies journalism at its most unflinching. A workshop with an edge!

Adulting is an invitation to create your future beyond high school and your tertiary education. Journey with Rumbi Munyaradzi as she guides you towards creating your own map for navigating adulthood with confidence, resilience and patience in Your Guide To Adulting. Let’s talk about the uncomfortable things that are impacting your mental health whilst celebrate the amazing vision you have set for your life. More than that, let’s prepare to make it happen … An invaluable resource at your fingertips!

Join The Feathered Five on an unforgettable adventure as they navigate the cacophony of the African savanna. Then embark on a moonlit adventure with The Nocturnal Nine and discover the wonders of the night! KZN author Roslynne Toerien brings her special brand of storytelling to Kingsmead again this year and promises to enthrall her young audience with intriguing tales of African wildlife.

Thoughtful estate planning will ensure that you, your family and other beneficiaries can enjoy the maximum benefit from your estate, both now and in the future. Join Wealth and Investment as Nokuzola Cossie, Head of Fiduciary Advisory and Stefan Viljoen, Head of Family Office, examine the true cost involved in leaving a lasting, multi-generational legacy.

Brought to you by Standard Bank Wealth and Investment

Join award-winning producer, poet, author and performer Siphokazi Jonas for an intimate session of poetry and conversation on the power of speaking your truth. Through stories and readings from Weeping Becomes A River, she invites you to embrace every part of who you are — your voice, your roots, your story. Whether you express yourself through words, art, or quiet reflection, you’ll leave feeling empowered to speak up and stand tall in your truth. Come as you are. Leave louder.

Khaya Dlanga (Life is Like That Sometimes) and Gavin Evans (Son of a Preacher Man) tell Anna Stroud (Who Looks Inside) about what they have learned while writing about themselves.

Jackie Phamotse (The Tea Merchant), Rams Mabote (Sweetest Taboo) and Busisekile Khumalo (Rubies and Rain) bring the boudoir into their books – and let Jo Watson (The Ex Effect) watch…

Jeffrey Rakabe (Led by Shepherds), Tshiamo Modisane (I am Tshiamo: My Transition to Self-acceptance and Womanhood) and Anthony Akerman (Lucky Bastard) delve into who they or those they write about really are with Zanele Mji (Journalist).

Onke Mazibuko (Canary) follows Nick Clelland (Good Hope), Siya Khumalo (The Queer Book of Revelation) and Sam Wilson (The First Murder on Mars) into the detailed, fresh worlds of their books.

TJ Strydom (Capitec: Stalking Giants) and Raymond Ledwaba (The First-Generation Founder: How to Build a Start-up Mindset and Thrive) unpack how businesses grow in size and influence with Amy Heydenrych (Chasing Marian).

Dr Alma-Nalisha Cele (The Cheeky Natives) appreciates authors Lesedi Molefi (Patient 12A: A Memoir), Dr Anne Biccard (One Call Away) and Milton Schorr (Addict) in sickness and in health.

Queen bees Karina Szcurek (Karavan Press), Melinda Ferguson (Melinda Ferguson Books) and Zukiswa Wanner (Paivapo Publishing) underline the importance of curating stories from a feminine perspective with Sewela Langeni (Book Circle Capital).