‘For the 2019 festival only South African authors have been invited as we claim this precious space to talk about how words, writing and literature shape the zeitgeist of us as South Africans at this tipping point in our country’s history,’ said  acting Director of the CCA  Ms Lliane Loots.

‘Time of the Writer 2019 has made a commitment to let South African voices be honoured this year as we move ourselves into the centre of our ability to write, and to write alternate futures for ourselves. This festival claims an activist space that joins with a growing South African – and African – discontent with outmoded and outdated ways of speaking truth to power.’

Guest curated by writer and activist Niq Mhlongo, the festival takes place at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, KZNSA Gallery, Auditorium Hall (Sizakala Centre, Zazi Road, Clermont), Grosvenor Library as well as Inchanga and Inanda libraries. Entrance to all events is free.

The 13 festival participants are Dudu Busani Dube, Mandla KaNozulu, Cyril James, Siya Khumalo, Angela Makholwa, Slungile Mavuso, Shalo Mbatha, Walter Mncube, Lerato Mogoatlhe, Rosie Motene, Sihle Mthembu, Sifiso Mzobe and Sue Nyathi.

Mhlongo will join various panels and discussion to share his work.

There will be various book launches over the four days of the festival and, in an unprecedented partnership with eThekwini Libraries, there will be workshops and panel discussions in several libraries where writers will share their words and ideas.

Of special interest is the Publishing Forum on Saturday, 16 March at the KZNSA Gallery where a panel will have an open discussion on the state of publishing in South Africa. Topics will include the what, where and how of getting work published. Issues around self-publishing will be discussed with input from some of KZN’s top publishers.

The panel runs from 10am to noon with a host of books on sale at the venue.

On 16 March from 10am to noon, the Festival pays tribute to younger readers in its special gathering at the KZNSA Gallery. This session will offer African storytelling and the reading of South African tales written for a younger audience.

The festival opens at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on Wednesday 13 March at 7pm. Free tickets are on a first come-first-serve basis.

The full Time of the Writer programme is online at: https://medium.com/time-of-the-writer-festival