Tomorrow marks the start of the Africa Century International African Writers Conference, to be held at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 7 to 10 November 2012. This is an initiative funded by the Department of Arts and Culture.
The conference is dedicated to the intrepid South African journalist and businessman Zwelakhe Sisulu. Sisulu, who passed away, last month, and was a Special Advisor and inspiration to the conference.
The Nobel laureate, Nadine Gordimer, and South Africa’s Poet Laureate, Keorapetse Kgositsile, are some of the leading authors who are taking part in the conference.
This year this conference coincides with the 21st International African Writers’ Day celebrations and the seventh Annual South African Literary Awards that will be held on Saturday 10 November 2012.
The theme of the conference is “From Resistance to Creative Mediation: Celebrating a Century of Writing and Literary Intellectuals’ Influence on the Liberation Struggles & Political Impact on Literary Discourse and Development”.
The conference has attracted an array of scholars and artists from around the Continent and the African Diaspora, who will participate through presenting papers, reading from their work and through music and dance.
Other highlights of the four day programme include:
International African Writers Day Public Lecture by former President Thabo Mbeki
An Evening with the National Poet Laureate: Poetry Reading by Prof Keorapetse Kgositsile
Readings from Chinua Achebe’s “There Was A Country”, Prof. Nwando Achebe
Poetry, Comedy and Performances
Tsebo-Lethabo Primary and High Schools Programme
Books, art & crafts and clothing exhibitions and more
Revival/Formation of the South African Authors Union/Association/Organisation
For more information, please call:
Raks Seakhoa
Cell: 078 6114 654
Siphiwo Mahala
Cell: 082 8889 946
For RSVP:
Josias Pila
Cell: 078 7339 709
