Press release: Eastern Cape Literature Festival 2019 to celebrate indigenous languages, written works

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Photo: provided

Amazwi South African Museum of Literature is proud to announce the 2019 Eastern Cape Literature Festival, which will take place at the new Amazwi museum complex in Makhanda from 3-7 July 2019.

Jointly hosted by Amazwi and the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), Lit-Fest 2019 will run concurrently with the National Arts Festival to celebrate and promote indigenous languages and literary works produced in South Africa’s official – and some non-official – languages.

UNESCO has declared 2019 the Year of Indigenous Languages. In keeping with this global theme, Lit-Fest 2019 will emphasise South Africa’s own indigenous languages, with isiXhosa, Sesotho, sign language and Khoisan languages receiving special focus.

The festival will also invite and encourage debate on the role of other indigenous languages spoken in the province – languages which have not yet been accorded official status, including isiHlubi, isiMpondo and isiBhaca.

Some of the highlights of Lit-Fest 2019 include writing workshops, poetry readings, storytelling, literary discussions and book reviews by some of South Africa’s most respected literary icons.

The list of featured speakers and profiled writers include Advocate Sonwabile Mancotywa, CEO of the National Heritage Council and Professor Pitika Ntuli, seasoned poet, writer, painter and artist.

There will also be literary exhibits, displays and discussions facilitated by the Pan South African Language Board, the Steve Biko Centre, Fort Hare Language Centre, Eastern Cape Literary Society, publishers and writers’ organisations.

Lit-Fest 2019 will be officially opened by Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Ms Bulelwa Tunyiswa, in the Amazwi foyer on Tuesday, 4 July.

Admission will be free throughout the five-day festival with scheduled activities due to start at 10am daily.

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