South African Literature
latest news & developments
Kagiso Lesego Molope wants us to remember what we inherit
South African-Canadian novelist Kagiso Lesego Molope's latest work, 'We Inherit the Fire', delves into the devastating impact of apartheid on families and black women, exploring…
Dreaming of justice in Philisiwe Twijnstra's magical worlds
Philisiwe Twijnstra's collection, 'Flying Cows and Other Traumas', draws half its 15 short stories from dream states, blending magical realism, speculative fiction, and fantasy.…
Here's to the women who refuse to stop writing
As struggle veteran Sibongile Mkhabela marks her 70th birthday, the '76 INKED! literary festival gathers generations of South African women writers, including Zukiswa Wanner,…
How Soweto and Lesotho inspired Thandi Moagi’s breakout debut
Thandi Moagi's debut novel, Wisani and the Bafokeng Brothers, draws inspiration from the vibrant streets of Soweto and the mountainous landscapes of Lesotho. This compelling…
Kingsmead Book Fair returns with conversations SA needs right now
As the 14th annual Kingsmead Book Fair returns to Johannesburg, the beloved literary gathering once again creates space for difficult conversations, thoughtful reflection and the…
How the Time of the Writer Festival is taking the stories to the people
The Time of the Writer Festival returns with a bold hybrid vision, using literature to challenge power, amplify voices and reconnect communities across borders
‘Cape Fever’: When fiction fills the gaps of history
Through Soraya’s journey, Cape Fever explores identity, resilience and the hidden histories of Cape Malays in post-war South Africa
Barbara Adair’s unconventional journey
More than a chronicle of Namibia, Barbara Adair’s book experiments with language and structure
Ndumiso Zondi’s three must-reads
Many commit to reading books every year and are not sure where to start. Here are three books poet Ndumiso Zondi suggest
Silence of the enslaved
Ashraf Kagee’s Song of the Slave Girl reimagines Cape slavery through emotion, love and loss, giving voice to histories erased from official memory
From Facebook to fiction: How Paige Nick turned online book clubs into comedy gold
Paige Nick chats about her latest novel Book People, how online book clubs are shaking things up and how reading culture is changing
Diary: FNB Joburg Art Fair, Hendrick Monyeki and Open Book Festival
Your essential dose of art and culture
A lens, pen and a cause
Three new books spotlight Indian South Africans who helped shape the nation — through resistance, reflection and reinvention in unexpected places
Between the lines: What South African stories reveal about men’s mental health
What happens when men can’t ask for help? These South African books offer raw, revealing answers
Gavin Evans on fathers, faith and fearless reporting in South Africa
Memoir is a gripping account of journalistic bravery, father-son reckonings and resilience