The Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is set to host the Time of the Writer festival, taking place from 14 to 21 march. During the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, 17 and 18 March, attendees are invited to explore the complexities of democracy and the different aspects of what builds a democratic society. This year’s programme features various dimensions of reflection on a free and just society through a literary lens.
“In September 2023, the University of KwaZulu-Natal introduced a compulsory module on gender-based violence, racism, gender equality and classism in the curriculum to empower students to critically examine social issues and their roles within the context of gender equality. The Centre for Creative Arts embraced the opportunity to integrate the programmes on these subjects across all its festivals,” says Ismail Mahomed, Director of the Centre.
Lynsey Chutel (photo credit: Malwandla Rikhotso) and Zibu Sithole
Exploring identity, gender and society
“Beyond binaries: Navigating gender and identity”, to be presented on Saturday, 17 March, will delve into complexities of systemic gender struggles within South African society. Rose Francis will moderate this session with author Zibu Sithole, Barbara Boswell, Tessa Dooms and Lynsey Chutel, promising a rich and nuanced conversation about navigating gender and identity in a developing democracy such as South Africa.
Crime and corruption: Its meaning for the South African democracy
The increasing rate of crime in South Africa and a justice system that allows some murderers to get away will be under scrutiny when Ted Botha and Naledi Shange, featured in a session moderated by Tracey Saunders, explore the depths of how crime and murder cases affect people's confidence in the justice system. The session also explores the possible ways to mitigate the high rates of crime and how we can build a safer South Africa for all.
Political intrigues and dynamics of global leadership
A session on South Africa’s political crossroads presents unique insights into the nation’s political landscapes from renowned authors Qaanitah Hunter, author of Who will rule South Africa?, and Oscar van Heerden, author of Is the party over?. This session, moderated by Angelo Fick, explores how South African democracy has been changing over the years with the influx of new political parties every election season. This session will explore who has the potential to rule South Africa as a functional democratic society guided by the ethos of its Constitution. The programme will also explore the aspect of impactful global leadership and what it means for a democratic society. Authors Nick Dall, Matthew Blackman and Adekeye Adebajo, moderated by Ebrahim Fakir, will stir a discussion centred around leadership, courage and impact.
Israel Campos and Gregory Maqoma
Multifaceted arts of storytelling
The centre will open the morning of Sunday, 17 March with a session presenting the legendary dancer and choreographer Gregory Maqoma in conversation with Lliane Loots. Through his memoir, he shares his childhood memories marked by a deep connection to Soweto’s rhythms, passion for dance and a commitment to social justice during a politically charged era in the 1980s.
The festival will also explore the intricacies of Winnie and Nelson Mandela’s love story and what it means for South African democracy in a session moderated by Siphiwo Mahala in conversation with Jonny Steinberg and Zikhona Valela.
Moderator Tracey Saunders will stir a discussion on writing for children with authors Shafinaaz Hassim, Griffin Shea, Megan Choritz, Noxolo Mthethwa, Charmaine Monareng and children’s books illustrator Subi Bossa, celebrating the imagination and the art of writing for children in a country such as South Africa.
Narrating Africa: Perspective from various authors
This session features a distinguished panel of authors from all corners of Africa and the diaspora, including Margaret Busby, Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, Israel Campos, Sabata Mpho Mokae, Morabo Morojele, Qhali and Siphiwo Mahala. This session featuring all the intellectually capacitated powerhouse authors will be moderated by Hleze Kunju to delve into the complexities of writing and narrating the African continent as they also explore the challenges and ethics of capturing the diverse African narratives and experiences that make up the African continent.
Day four of the festival will be closed by a cinematic exploration screening a documentary about Charmaine Mrwebi’s journey as a lover of books and her commitment to educating her community about books using her mother tongue.
Join the conversation
“We welcome everyone to participate in exploring the meaning of democracy and its significance in our society,” says Tsosheletso Chidi, Resident Curator Intern at the Centre for Creative Arts.
The festival offers both in-person and virtual attendance options.
Dates: March 14 to 21, 2024
Venue: Alliance Française in Durban (in-person)- Tickets to be purchased on Webtickets
Virtual Streaming: Time of the Writer Facebook page and Centre for Creative Arts YouTube channel (March 18-20)
Website: https://tow.ukzn.ac.za/