Book news: Tshwane tales

Charl Blignaut

Tshwane, good news.

There’s a brand-new book event called the Tjo!StoryFest! happening at the University of Pretoria’s Mamelodi campus on Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1.

You can find the full programme on their Twitter account @tjostoryfest.

Starting off small, the event is still crammed with highlights.

According to festival director Kgauhelo Dube, you need to look out for a special tribute to community activists Florence and Fabian Ribeiro; a celebration of Tshwane-born writer Kagiso Lesego Molope’s novel, The Mending Season, being included in the Grade 12 curriculum; a presentation by publishing star Thabiso Mahlape; and interactive readings featuring South African actors Hlubi Mboya, Sisanda Henna and Lindiwe Matshikiza.

“Tjo!StoryFest! is an exploration of how communities can practically assert and implement the unanimous need for telling our own stories,” says Dube.

Because the festival coincides with the school holidays, the programme features plenty of kids’ activities.