iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 3h

Couldn’t attend the festival? Want to revisit words that resonated with you? The 2026 Open Book Festival live recordings are ready! Every week you can look forward to new releases on YouTube and across podcast platforms so make sure you keep your eyes peeled. #OBF2026 #Podcast #BookFestival

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

If you're looking for something light to weave in between difficult themes, we have some suggestions for you. Filter through our online programme to find more. Book your tickets! openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... #OBF2026 #Comedy #ConversationsThatMatter #BookFestival #CapeTown

010

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Whether you're a new-comer or a festival regular, we've put together a few things we think you should know. Read each image’s ALT text for more details! Follow the link to get your tickets! openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... #OBF2026 #BookFestival #CapeTown #ConversationsThatMatter #Reading

020

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

If you have a young reader in the house be sure to get your tickets to the events designed with children and young adults in mind! There is something for everyone at Open Book Festival. Book tickets! openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... #YoungReaders #Storytime #OBF2026 #BookFestival #CapeTown

010

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

As we near the end of Women’s Month we have some suggestions for you on the topic of gender politics. Filter through our programme for themes that resonate with you and book your tickets! openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... #AfricanAuthors #OBF2026 #GenderPolitics

The image shows three women of colour sitting around a low, wooden coffee table on a blue lit stage with mics around them.

The text says “Find your topic. Gender Politics.”

Poster with details:

Book Lounge Feminist Book Club | Lebogang Matseke

Join the discussion as Noma Tsheleza facilitates an interactive conversation with the author of Death Rattle.

Friday 4th | 16:00 - 17:00

Book your tickets!

Poster with details:

Feminist Imaginary | Disrupting the Everyday

Thando Fuze, Jessica Horn, Vashna Jagarnath and Zimbini Ogle speak to Pumla Dineo Gqola about interventions that could enable a better future.

Saturday 5th | 10:00 - 11:30

Book your tickets!

Poster with details:

Love and Power

Lọlá Ákínmádé, S.E. Bhamjee and Thandi Moagi speak to Amogelang Maledu about navigating unbalanced relationships.

Saturday 5th | 18:00 - 19:00

Book your tickets!

010

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Spotlight on Maneo Mohale! Maneo is a crowd favourite, bringing insight and laughter every year that they join us. Browse the programme and book your tickets! openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... #reading #africanauthors #obf2026 #books #poetry

Maneo Mohale at the 2023 Conversations with Mohale event.

A wide shot show Maneo wearing a bright pink strappy dress over a black T-shirt and their natural Afro is pulled back into two small buns.

A low table with drinks and glasses is in the forefront, their chair behind it. They have their legs crossed one over the other and a mic on a stand reaching across.

Maneo has a cheeky smile across their face.

The image shows the poster for Intentional Recalibrations

Sanah Ahsan, Siphokazi Jonas and Lebogang Matseke speak to Maneo Mohale about finding ways to balance the world.

Friday 4th | 10:00 - 11:00

The poster shows the details for the event Up Close with Maneo

Maneo Mohale returns to the Open Book stage, and this time they are speaking to Athambile Masola.

Athambile’s work deftly stretches over language and genre, illuminating the extraordinary lives of Black women throughout history as they resist injustice and erasure.

Saturday 5th | 18:00 - 19:00

The image shows the cover of Maneo Mohale’s collection of poetry book on the right hand side.

The cover features the centre of a bright yellow and orange flower with an elongated type deformation. Over the flower the title is in capital letters, spread out sporadically ‘Everything is a Deathly Flower’.

The text on the left reads:

'Everything is a Deathly Flower' by Maneo Mohale

Mohale’s unapologetic and disarming voice carries through a budding and blooming garden of poetics, rooted in a contemporary southern African tradition, but springing forth in queer and radical new directions.

This is a work encompassing the full, often contradictory, and seldom complete process of healing: where relations must be chosen as well as made; where time becomes non-linear and language insufficient; where nothing is what it seems, yet everything is what it is.

Shop this title and more at the Book Lounge, in store or online.

020

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

This year’s festival brings an incredible lineup of poets. This is a selection of just some of what you can look forward to. Filter through our programme to find topics that interest you and get your tickets! openbookfestival.co.za/festival-programme/ #Poetry #OBF2026 #BookFestival #AfricanPoets

Poster showing details for:

English Alive 60th Birthday

Join English Alive, the South African Council for English Education’s annual anthology, to celebrate 60 years of publishing young writers.

Following a performance by a surprise guest poet, the editor of the anthology and MC of the event, Kirsten Deane, invites students to perform their poems.

Don’t miss this opportunity to support the next generation.

Friday 4th | 14:00 - 15:00

Book your tickets!

Poster showing details for:

What Poetry Allows

Sanah Ahsan, Jorge Alejandro Ccoyllurpuma and Kirsten Deane speak to Nondwe Mpuma about poetry as a vehicle for transformation.

Saturday 5th | 10:00 - 11:00

Book your tickets!

Poster with details for:

Pass Me the Mic | Poetry After 1976

Every generation has a call to answer. Within the call is a mission to be discovered, then lies the choice to embrace or abandon it.

This poetry showcase honors the poetry collectives and clubs that have wrestled with the obscurity of that mission, fulfilled it and carried it forward to the next circle of voices.

Fifty years after the 1976 Soweto Youth Uprising, we pay homage to those who first answered the call and as we inherit their courage, we press on, carrying the mission to the present.

Passing on the baton: from Lingua Franca to Amazinc Unplugged, from the Red Wheelbarrow to the Cape Cultural Collective and onward.

Poets: Amy Brown, Inzima, Rea Mmethi, Mtunzikazi Ngozana, Mbongeni Nomkonwana, Riyo, Winslow Schalkwyk & Lwanda Sindaphi.
Curated and hosted by Zizipho Bam.

Saturday 5th | 20:30 - 21:30

Book your tickets!

Poster with details for:
New Worlds In Bloom

As the Festival comes to a close, join us for a gathering of powerful poetic voices in a space to cultivate hope, possibility, and reflection.

Hosted by vangile gantsho, with live ikebana by Cynthia Fan; Letters to the Future curated by Climate Lounge and DearTomorrow; and performances by Sanah Ahsan, Gabeba Baderoon, Jorge Alejandro Ccoyllurpuma, Thando Fuze, Pieter Madibuseng Odendaal, Koleka Putuma, and Sarah Uheida.

Sunday 6th | 16:00 - 17:00

Book your tickets!

030

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Our Marketplace brings a range of local goods, treats and organisations together inside the Homecoming Centre. Browse books, get crafty, sign up for a library card, or add to the mural, all while you wait for your next event. Remember to book your tickets! openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro...

040

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Still making up your mind about which events to go to? Here are some suggestions for those looking for discussions on Africa and the African diaspora. Filter our online programme to find topics that suit your interests! openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... #africanauthors #bookfestival #africa

020

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Mia Arderne is joing us this year with her new title 'How to Stop Being a Naai'! A mix of self-help and fiction, Mia tells it how it is and will have you all questioning your levels of "naaiery". Book your tickets: openbookfestival.co.za/authors/mia-... #OBF2026 #Reading #CapeTown #BookFestival

010

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Siphokazi is back again and this time she journeyed into the realm of children's books with 'Oli and the Island of Intsomi'. Join us for the launch at the Book Lounge on Saturday 5th of September! Book your tickets below openbookfestival.co.za/programme/oli-and-the-island-of-intsomi/

010

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Join the Open Book Festival for an unforgettable three days! Spend time browsing books, enjoying our marketplace and listening to your favourite local authors in conversation. Visit our website to book your seats! openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... #BookFestival #CapeTown #AfricanAuthors

020

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Since co-founding Open Book Festival in 2011, Frankie has been behind the scenes, making all of the magic happen. Christi Sa picks Frankie's brain on The Story Explorer podcast. Follow the link to listen: open.spotify.com/episode/2gFM... #OBF2026 #bookpodcast #reading #Writing #capetown

093

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

It's finally time: the Open Book Festival 2026 programme is now live! Follow the link below to browse through the events we have lined up for you this year. We can't wait to come together for another unforgettable weekend! openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... #OBF2026 #bookfestival #capetown

010

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Spotlight on Mohale Mashigo! Mohale is an Open Book Festival staple. Her annual panel, Conversations with Mohale, is never one to miss. Find Mohale's books over at the Book Lounge, in store or online. booklounge.co.za/writer/mohal... #reading #africanauthors #obf2026 #books

051

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Spotlight on Sven Axelrad! We're always excited to welcome Sven Axelrad, and this year the focus will be on his latest book 'Dogs of Vivo'. Sven's books are available through the Book Lounge, in store or online. booklounge.co.za/writer/sven-... #reading #africanauthors #obf2026 #books

020

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Spotlight on Dr Athambile Masola! Athambile has joined us over multiple festivals and become part of the Open Book Family. We are thrilled to have her back this year. Shop her books at the Book Lounge, in store or online! booklounge.co.za/writer/atham... #reading #africanauthors #obf2026 #books

020

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

It has come to our attention that people have received emails claiming to be from the Open Book Festival team. Any official communication from us is sent from the domain @openbookfestival.co.za If you are unsure of an email you received please contact info@openbookfestival.co.za

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

It’s time to update your reading list with this year’s Open Book Festival featured authors! With the programme announcement almost here - this is just a taste. Browse online at: booklounge.co.za/shop/list/op...

010

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

We asked our community how they see the Open Book Festival journey through their eyes and the response blew us away. Congrats to our winner, Aliasgher Janmohammed! Read the full story: openbookfestival.co.za/the-open-boo...

010

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Open Book Festival was made to bring people and stories together, to leave you with thoughts and feelings that have a true impact on this growing community. Follow the competition link to show us what it means to you to be a part of this: openbookfestival.co.za/show-off-you...

openbookfestival.co.za

SHOW OFF YOUR CREATIVITY WITH OUR JUNE COMPETITION - Open Book Festival

Workshop Week is all wrapped up and we have something for you to do with all that fresh inspiration. Whether you joined our events or not, we hope your creative wheels are turning. Since our [...]

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

It’s competition time! Show off your creativity and stand a chance to win a full Open Book Festival weekend pass! Competition details: openbookfestival.co.za/show-off-you...

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

We are so excited to share this line-up of exceptional facilitators and unique events curated to bring us together in the joy of learning and sharing knowledge. Pull your writing out of the ideation phase and bring your stories to life. Browse the programme: openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro...

010

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Recap of Youth Fest Day 1! Bianca Flanders visited Sunflower Library for an exciting storytime session where she read her latest book ‘Pumpkin and the Hidden Heroes’. And we visited Pelican Park Primary where HC360 guided learners in the creation of a mural that celebrates the natural world.

010

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Yesterday was a busy one for our readers and storytellers with 8 events in one day! Storytime sessions featured Buhle Ngaba, Martinus van Tee, Upile uThixo Bongco and Zingisa Mase. We are grateful to Cape Town Central Library for hosting and to Pick 'n Pay for providing snack bags! #reading #library

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

We are so excited to have Rushdiyah Narker join us to speak about her novel, Some Unspoken Thing, as well as to talk all about writing. This session is closed to the public but we encourage you to check out her work. For more information visit openbookfestival.co.za/festival-programme/

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Cape Town Central Library has once again opened its space to us to host more storytime sessions! There are still tickets available to see Bianca or Zingisa, make sure you RSVP on our website to secure your spot before they sell out! RSVP at openbookfestival.co.za/festival-programme/

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

Every year we partner up with the Otto Foundation who host storytime sessions in their beautiful libraries. We are honoured to have these spaces open to us and get to work with the wonderful people over at Otto Foundation, who share the joy of bringing reading to our next generation. #books #reading

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

If you haven't attended a Bianca Flanders storytime you have been missing out! Tickets are free but booking is essential! RSVP on our website where you'll find the full programme: openbookfestival.co.za/festival-programme/ @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social @cityofcapetown.bsky.social

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Youth Fest is right around the corner and we are so excited to fill you in on all the events we have planned! You can find the full programme over on our website where you can RSVP to events, head to openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... Special thanks to our wonderful sponsors and partners.

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

🎙️ That’s a wrap on all of our live recording uploads! Whatever you missed out on at the 2025 September Open Book Festival is available online for you to catch up. 📩 To keep up to date with everything Open Book make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter. #literaryfestival #books #africanauthors

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

We honour all of the women who make our country what it is. Alongside Women for Change, we demand that Gender-Based Violence be declared a National Disaster. Here are our reading lists that support women’s vital perspectives. For more information womenforchange.co.za/g20-women-sh...

021

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

In a special edition of Book Choice on FMR, Mervyn Sloman and Frankie Murrey welcome Zizipho Bam, Bongani Kona, Firdose Moonda, and Mbali Sikakana. They discuss Open Book Festival, exploring its significance for South African literature & the broader cultural landscape. 🎧 Listen: iono.fm/e/1593016

iono.fm

Book Choice - The Open Book Fest - 02 Sept 25

Something very special is happening right here in Cape Town from the 5- 7th September. The Open Book Festival is an absolute must-see highlight on the literary calendar every year, in this show we han...

020

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

4 days until #OBF2025! Don't miss out on three days that could change how you see the world. It's time to listen deeply and speak boldly. Book now through Webtickets or via our website. Your voice matters. Join the conversation. #OpenBookFestival #ConversationsThatMatter

011

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

Open Book Festival is one week away! Make sure to book your tickets, as many events have limited capacity. 🎟️ Webtickets: www.webtickets.co.za/v2/EventCate... 🎫 Programme: openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... See you at #OBF2025!

webtickets.co.za

Open Book Festival 2025

Don't miss out on three days of conversations that matter.

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

🎉 Our programme is LIVE and bookings are officially OPEN! 🎫 Programme: openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... 🎟️ Webtickets: www.webtickets.co.za/v2/EventCate... Email openbooktickets@gmail.com to request comps. Books available at The Book Lounge #OBF2025 #OpenBookFestival #ConversationsThatMatter

Open Book Festival is a space where people connect and discuss important issues through the lens of books. Bookings now open.

004

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

This year's lineup brings together the most incredible mix of writers, poets and performers for three days of powerful conversations! Full list here: openbookfestival.co.za/authors/ We've raised R383,210 so far! Donate to #OBF2025: booklounge.co.za/product/open... #OpenBookFestival

A small selection of participating authors in this year's September Festival.

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Update 2: Open Book isn't just an event - it's where art heals, where strangers become friends, and where writers and readers find their community. Every contribution matters. Every share helps. Please support us or share with someone who might: booklounge.co.za/product/open...

Shubnum Khan's experience at Open Book Festival

Megan Choritz on the importance of Open Book

Welcome Mandla Lishivha on Open Book Festival

012

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Update part 1: We're deeply grateful for community support - R104,177 so far! But government funding has been slashed: provincial funding cut us to R55K (from R300K), while DSAC completely axed funding after years of support (R700K in 2024). We can no longer rely on government support.

011

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Open Book belongs to everyone who makes it what it is. Now we need collective ownership to include financial support. We're facing a funding crisis with no clarity on government applications months before September. If you value Open Book, please contribute. booklounge.co.za/product/open...

033

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Two brilliant sessions from our Open Book Festival Workshop Week are now available to watch on YouTube! Links below: From Manuscript to Bookshelf | Publishing: youtu.be/mnLNxtWB--I From Manuscript to Bookshelf | The Next Steps youtu.be/v0NIamE-lu8 #WorkshopWeek #OBF2025 #OpenBookFestival

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Days 4 and 5 of Workshop Week brought such incredible variety! The blend of creative workshops and practical industry knowledge is what makes Workshop Week so special! 🖋️📚 Final day tomorrow! openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... #OBF2025 #OpenBookFestival #WorkshopWeek #SkillSharing

020

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

Days 2 & 3 of Workshop Week have been absolutely incredible! The depth and diversity of these workshops showcase exactly why OBF is so special. Join us for the end. Book via Webtickets & our website. openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... #WorkshopWeek #OBF2025 #OpenBookFestival #SkillSharing

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Workshop Week is off to a brilliant start! There's nothing quite like watching stories come to life in real time. Don't miss out! Book your spot via Webtickets. openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... #OBF2025 #OpenBookFestival #WorkshopWeek #ShillSharing

011

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

Workshop Week begins tomorrow! We can't wait to welcome you to this celebration of writing, creativity and community. You can still book your place via Webtickets, or our website. openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro... #OBF2025 #WorkshopWeek #OpenBookFestival #SkillSharing #WritingCommunity

openbookfestival.co.za

Programme - Open Book Festival

Open Book Youth Fest 2025 is coming soon - Watch this space or signup for our newsletter!

022

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

Our heartfelt thanks to all our partners and sponsors who helped make this week of writing, skill sharing and community building possible. If you'd like to be a part of what we do, please reach out to us. #OpenBookFestival #OBF2025 #ReadingCommunity #WritingCommunity #CapeTown

052

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

We're launching our inaugural Writers Retreat in collaboration with Bertha Retreat, featuring Toni Giselle Stuart. This intimate, closed gathering marks what we hope will be the first of many creative retreats. #OpenBookFestival #WritersRetreat #WritingRetreat #OBF2025

011

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

We're thrilled to continue our partnership with Ikamva Youth and Youth Capital for a special off-programme three-part youth-focused workshop. #WorkshopWeek #OBF2025 #OpenBookFestival #YouthWriters #SkillSharing #FutureVoices #Partnership #WritingCommunity #CapeTown

000

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

We're just one week away from Workshop Week 2025! Final preparations are underway to welcome you to a week of creativity, skill sharing and community. Book your tickets now via Webtickets! #OBF2025 #WorkshopWeek #OpenBookFestival #SkillSharing #WritingCommunity openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro...

openbookfestival.co.za

Programme - Open Book Festival

Open Book Youth Fest 2025 is coming soon - Watch this space or signup for our newsletter!

032

Open Book Festival @openbookfestival.bsky.social · 24/05/2025

The vast majority of Workshop Week sessions take place at Bertha House in Mowbray, our long time partner. Bertha House provides a resourced space to activists, storytellers and anyone committed to creating more just societies. berthaspaces.org/bertha-house/ #OBF2025 #WorkshopWeek #OpenBookFestival

054