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Hennie van Coller’s politicisation of children’s literature polemic

Darryl David Opinion 2022-07-25

"So to Anne-Marie Beukes. Rather than distance yourself from Van Coller’s article, which is inconclusive on the allegations of homophobic tendencies, in my humble opinion, distance yourself from the Snow White storyline of the organisation you head up."

Press release: A collage of African and Western opera music

LitNet Lifestyle and entertainment 2022-07-22

A collage of African and Western opera music compositions: Qinisela Sibisi, Kwanele Jona, Ludwig Van Beethoven and Giuseppe Verdi, performed by the crème de la crème of South Africa’s opera singers.

Press release: Four fathers: bananas for the baboons, a brand new South African play

LitNet Lifestyle and entertainment 2022-07-21

At The Baxter from 3 to 20 August 2022. Here is more information.

Press release: UJ Prizes for creative writing in isiZulu and Sesotho sa Leboa and for literary translation

LitNet Books and writers 2022-07-20

Well done to Ntombenhle Dlamini, Khayelihle Mnguni, Sandile Ngwenya, Mplang Masha, Phineas Mashilo, Kholofelo Thaba, Mahlatsi Maqwenjo and SJ Naudé.

Pawn stars

Pieter Lübbe New writing 2022-07-20

"Sometimes first to fall
sometimes hang on through it all
Sometimes, somehow
they even make the final call"

Reguit met Robinson: A conversation with John Simpson from BBC News

Freek Robinson, John Simpson Interviews 2022-07-20

What is Boris Johnson's legacy? What lies ahead for British politics, society and foreign policy? Freek Robinson interviews John Simpson, world affairs editor of BBC News.

When we want success for ourselves, we must want success for others

Zubayr Charles Opinion 2022-07-19

"Izzart removed the laces of the sneakers and washed them separately. He tapped lukewarm water into a transparent bowl and generously sprayed TopShelf Sneaker Cleaner product on various targeted areas – everything done with precision."

Press release from the prize committee: Winner of the Ingrid Jonker Prize for English poetry 2022

LitNet Books and writers 2022-07-18

The winner of the Ingrid Jonker Prize for English poetry 2022 was just announced.

Joy of Books: A new literary festival in East London

Jen Bryson Moorcroft, Izak de Vries Books and writers 2022-07-14

"The aim of the festival is to bring people who love reading, books and storytelling together. We aim to create a positive space to celebrate all things literary, to encourage and inspire others to share their passion and creativity."

Press release: SA International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) welcomes international judges & competitors to Artscape – first time in 2 years

LitNet Lifestyle and entertainment 2022-07-13

The forthcoming South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) is delighted to be able to once again welcome capacity audiences and international judges and competitors in person to the beautiful Artscape Opera House from 25 to 30 July 2022.The hybrid SAIBC 2022 is open to the public. Advance booking is highly recommended.  

Centenary of the 1922 Bondelswarts Uprising

Rodney Warwick Opinion 2022-07-13

"This year marks the centenary of the Bondelswarts Uprising in Namibia – then South West Africa – between late May and early June 1922, and its prompt crushing, which resulted in Jan Smuts’s British Empire-supporting South African Party government attracting significant national and international criticism. What drew attention was the manner of this historically Nama group’s suppression ... This tragic episode followed a long history of fierce Bondelswart resistance against intrusion into their independence."

Boris: Hero to zero in three years

David Willers Opinion 2022-07-13

"So, what went wrong? A number of unfortunate coincidences, probably. Most notably, being a man whose reputation as a true libertarian in the John Stuart Mill mould was established, he himself fell foul of too much libertarianism when it entered the sphere of his own life, which, when he became prime minister, made his private behaviour a public spectacle."

Somerset East and the Walter Battiss Museum: an interview with Ros Turner

Naomi Meyer, Ros Turner Interviews 2022-07-10

"Battiss is a huge subject! Briefly, he was born in Somerset East in 1906 and became South Africa’s best abstract artist. He is still considered to be our best water colour artist."

So long Boris and thanks for nothing

Tristen Taylor Opinion 2022-07-08

"That’s why over the past three days, 28 ministers of his government resigned and joined by another 33 deputy ministers and other high-level officials."

Press release: Once on this island at the Baxter

LitNet Lifestyle and entertainment 2022-07-06

Tony Award-winning musical, Once on this island by Wela Kapela Productions, is at the Baxter Flipside from 8 to 16 July.

Bargain Books competition: Win a copy of Deception by Lesley Pearse

LitNet Books and writers 2022-07-06

Bargain Books is giving away a copy of the novel Deception. Lesley Pearse is their author of the month.

Family life

A Rowse New writing 2022-07-06

"This is the end of the family
who once lived in the house.
And the end is otherwise quiet"

The African Library: The Jungo: Stakes of the earth by Abdel Aziz Baraka Sakin

Annie Gagiano Books and writers 2022-07-05

"The narrative of The Jungo is not a tale of victory, either, but an extremely interesting one, and the people known by this name do remain unbowed despite hardship."

Bargain Books competition: Win a copy of our new author of the month

LitNet Books and writers 2022-07-05

Bargain Books is giving away a copy of The measure by Nikki Erlick.

Author in residence: Mia Arderne

Mia Ardene, Izak de Vries Books and writers 2022-07-05

"Writing is usually such a solitary thing, and it can get lonely. So, being surrounded by other writers has been amazing. Being in a space where six of us are together and working, feels like I'm part of a community of artists where we can share our processes and our progress."

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