Teen & young adult programme 2024

09:30 - 10:30
Join the queen of inspirational historical fiction, Penny Haw (The Woman at the Wheel) for a chat about her new book based on the real life of Bertha Benz, whose husband built the first prototype automobile, which eventually evolved into the Mercedes-Benz marque.
Age: 13+

11:00 - 12:00
Join the conversation with Artificial intelligence guru Arthur Goldstuck, author of Hitchhikers Guide to AI as he shares examples of AI in the real world, and how it is likely to impact your future and career.
Age: 13+

12:30 - 13:30
In her memoir, world champion runner Caster Semenya offers an empowering account of her extraordinary life and career, and her trailblazing battle to compete on her own terms. Listen to Caster as she sets the record straight and shares her story of how she became a defiant champion and the role model for a generation.
Age: 13+

14:30 - 15:30
As the co-founder of DigsConnect, Alexandria Procter became SA's youngest startup tech wunderkind at the age of 25 and started the global fourth industrial revolution. Be inspired by her story in Upstart and discover how by filling a need she founded an empire!
Age: 13+

09:30 - 10:30
Join illustrator and animal lover, Marisa Steynberg, author of Jessie & The Riverine Rabbits, in an engaging demonstration where she shows you how to spark character ideas and gives tips on how to create your own book.
Age: 11+

11:00 - 12:00
Join award-winning YA author of The Second Verse and Kingsmead’s own Onke Mazibuko in a special writing workshop to help you create unforgettable fictional characters who give life to your stories!
Age: 11+

12:30 - 13:30
Fiona Snyckers, author of the four-part Trinity series, will be in conversation with Kingsmead English Teacher, Robyn Hillowitz, about the differences in writing for teens as opposed to writing for a younger audience. Great insights for both readers and authors of YA fiction.
Age: 15+

14:30 - 15:30
Antoinette McDonald will hold a Journaling Workshop for all those budding doodlers and those wanting to express their thoughts in a different way.
Age: 11+

09:30 - 10:30
Join Dr Mpume Zenda, author of Mommy My Body’s Changing, and her daughter Busi for a relaxed yet educational talk around your changing body and environment in Self-Awareness & Sisterhood. Driven predominantly by an interactive and conversational Q&A style, Dr Mpume touches on sensitive issues that affect young women today.
Age: 14+

11:00 - 12:00
Author of the epic Children of the Storm, Cavan Barry, gives some fascinating insights into how we can draw comparisons between the issues that present themselves to the protagonists in the fantasy world, and real life challenges.
Age: 13+

12:30 - 13:30
Meet Booktok sensation Jo Watson whose stories on Wattpad have accumulated over 60 million reads from over 119 000 followers! Jo will tell us all about being a contemporary author and how to use apps and social media to your advantage.
Age: 13+

14:30 - 15:30
Join Prudence Makau, author of My So-called Friend for an engaging and insightful session that promises to delve deep into the complexities of relationships and the challenges of navigating the ever-changing dynamics of friendship.
Age: 13+

09:30 - 10:30
Hannes Barnard, multi-genre author of both English and Afrikaans novels, will be discussing his latest high school offering, The Apocalypse at the End of the Street, a compilation of poetry, short stories, dramas and folklore. Fun, delicious and something for everyone.
Age: 13+

11:00 - 12:00
Rumbi Munyaradzi, author of the Gen Z Pocketbook, explores the issue of Imposter Syndrome and other challenges affecting young people today. Join her for a “fireside chat” and get the conversation started!
Age: 15+

12:30 - 13:30
Award-winning poet and writer, Koleka Putuma, unveils her brand new collection of poems titled We Have Everything We Need to Start Again for the Kingsmead audience. This is an inspiring collection about figuring out who you are and embracing it. Her work explores universal and topical coming-of-age themes and is sharp, thought-provoking and empowering. Don’t miss it!
Age: 14+