Litnet

Basson and Hunter map out the likely scenarios for a coalition government after the 2024 election and what it will mean for the country if politicians such as John Steenhuisen, Julius Malema or Herman Mashaba gain access to the Union Buildings.

"When a book festival brings the joy of reading and engaging with writers to places that are not known for such events, it is an additional pleasure to participate."

"For those few hours that you read the book, and hopefully afterwards as well, you feel less mad and less alone."

"If I have to find a protagonist, to anthropomorphise, yes, the buildings are the protagonist. But then, for me, what is a protagonist? A leading character? We are all leaders in some form or another."

"We all have to take ownership," says Frans Rautenbach, an advocate and the author of several books, the latest being Help yourself South Africa. In this lecture, delivered at the Etienne van Heerden Veldsoirée 2023, he highlights practical things that ordinary citizens can do to make South Africa work again.

"Addressing structural racism in South Africa requires a comprehensive and sustained effort from government, but also from us as citizens, who fundamentally believe that 'ons is nie almal so nie'. It necessitates policies that promote economic empowerment, educational equality and social parity."

Mutton Hour bestaan uit kort sketse rondom lewensbelangrike sake: die liefde, verlies, krokodille en katte. Combining humour, musical interludes and kamishibai (Japanese illustrated storytelling) this show is for anyone who might need a whimsical re-introduction to the world of theatre.

"Like South African hardegatheid South African softness also maybe has a particular cultural significance."

"Travel has always felt beyond my means, but I’m a freelance writer, editor and translator, so in theory I could live and work anywhere I want. The notion took hold, in spite of all the reasons why it should be impossible, and I pursued ways of living a less structured, planned and predictable life for a few months."

"We started Read to Rise in 2013 to promote youth literacy in under-resourced communities in South Africa. We believe that if children can read, they will excel at school and go on to become good, constructive members of society. It all starts with reading."

This conversation on land, constitutional law and social justice took place at the Etienne van Heerden Veldsoirée 2023. Tembeka Ngcukaitobi is a member of the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) and an acting judge at the Land Claims Court.

"After all, what’s more convenient than blaming the ANC for the continuation of apartheid’s legacy? What’s easier than making the problem internalised black inferiority, black-against-black malgovernance, with zero reference to white supremacy?"

"South Africa’s agricultural sector is largely export-orientated. In quarter one of 2023, South Africa’s total agricultural product exports amounted to US$2,8 billion, up by 4,0% from US$2,7 billion in quarter four of 2022."

"The main goal of the foundation is to help kids discover – and practise – a love of reading, their work goes far beyond the library."

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is pleased to announce the recipient of the prestigious 2023 UJ Prize for Translation.

"The wheels obviously come off, or we wouldn’t have a story. I won’t give anything away, but trust me when I say that Heyns is a masterful storyteller and the narrative often veers off in quite unexpected directions."

"Death knocked at the door of the writer Simphiwe Nolutshungu. He unfortunately and reluctantly opened it."

"There’s an inherent risk of disharmony in this, but most amazingly the symphony of the book is melodious, and it fluently overlaps in a pleasing manner that doesn’t tax the reader’s concentration powers. I am sure it owes that not only to the writer’s skills, but also to those of the book editor. It is superbly achieved."

"Creating the conditions where this kind of multilingualism is fostered involves commitment, leadership in education policy, and an understanding that the long-term benefits of such an approach are worth the time, cost and effort, because it will contribute to social cohesion, individual well-being and the development of new opportunities for speakers."

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is delighted to present the shortlist for the esteemed 2023 UJ Prize for Translation. This accolade acknowledges the remarkable achievements of translators in the realm of literary translation. UJ received a multitude of entries, each demonstrating remarkable quality, making the process of shortlisting both demanding and rewarding.