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Mail & Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Finding story and soul at the Kingsmead Book Fair
One for the books: On her first visit to the Kingsmead Book Fair, held every May in Johannesburg, the writer was surprised by the massive turnout at the event. I underestimated the extent to which Johannesburg's Kingsmead Book Fair is revered. Honestly, I did. I thought I'd arrive, park with ease, grab a quick coffee and stroll into a modest school event. Instead, I circled like an anxious Uber driver, finally parking a few streets down and weaving my way towards the gates, grumbling. There was a steady, almost ritual-like, stream of people making their way to the school — young, old, families, friends, lovers of words. And I had to remind myself — this is my first time. I must keep an open mind. Kingsmead College, nestled quietly in Rosebank, didn't look like the kind of place that could transform into a buzzing cultural hub. But that Saturday, it did. And not just any buzz — it was electric, inviting and joyful. People came in numbers. More than I expected. And I was genuinely surprised, perhaps even moved, by how many still enjoy good old literature in a world of reels, swipes and 10-second dopamine hits. As I made my way through the entrance, dodging enthusiastic children and chatty clusters of adults, I tried not to be distracted by the enticing aromas coming from the food court. The food trucks and stalls were so perfectly placed you'd swear it was a festival more than a book fair. I considered giving in to the aroma of sizzling boerie rolls but instead made it my mission to walk around, to understand what it is that pulls people here. Why would anyone willingly choose to spend their Saturday at a school? And then, as if on cue, I saw it. Children — wide-eyed and vocal — dragging their parents by the hand, eager to attend storytime or rush into Exclusive Books with the title of a new book already in mind. Young readers, unapologetically loud in their excitement. Parents, some tired, some amused, but all present. No kidding: The annual Kingsmead Book Fair, held at Kingsmead College, in the Johannesburg suburb of Rosebank, attracts lovers of stories, both young and old. It was a moment of clarity for me — this wasn't just a book fair. It was a time for families and friends to gather, to celebrate something deeper. It was about passing the baton of imagination and thought to the next generation. There were sessions spread across the day, diving into various themes — politics, identity, children's literature, the writing craft and more. But I knew myself. Escapism is my soft place to land. I read the news daily, soak in its heaviness, and often find myself longing for softness, for sweetness, for something that affirms joy. So, I headed for the panel hosted by the Romance Writers Organisation of South Africa. I didn't raise my hand or pose a question. I simply sat and soaked it all in, basking in the energy of young people discussing love, dreams and writing as if it were sacred — and it is. I even picked up a few things I know will sharpen my writing skills. Observing how people speak about what they love teaches you about how to write about what matters to you. At some point, after too much walking, listening and light eavesdropping, I found a quiet bench tucked away under a tree. I had just collected a hotdog and needed to rest both my legs and my thoughts. Turns out, I wasn't the only one eyeing that bench. A young woman approached, smiling kindly before asking if she could join me. 'Of course,' I nodded. 'I matriculated in 2012 from Kingsmead College,' she said, unwrapping her sandwich. 'And I've never missed a fair.' She shared, between bites, how this place — the book fair, the school, the tradition — was more than just an annual event to her. 'It's part of my fabric,' she said, 'part of who I am. I love seeing some of my old classmates come here with their kids or partners. It feels like a reunion. 'A little overwhelming sometimes … which is why I'm hiding here with you,' she chuckled. We both laughed. In that moment, it didn't matter that I was a first-timer and she was a regular. We were simply two women, enjoying the comfort of stories and sunshine and sausage rolls. Her words stayed with me long after she left. 'Part of who we are.' Isn't that what literature is? A thread in our fabric? A familiar scent on a rainy day? A compass when the world feels confusing? The Kingsmead Book Fair, for me, was an unexpected awakening. A reminder that not everything good is loud or trending. That quiet love —for books, for community, for shared experiences still thrives in this city. Joburg is often painted with a hard edge: traffic, load-shedding, crime, concrete. But here, in the heart of Rosebank, under trees and the soft hum of conversation, was something tender. Something beautiful. A place where stories, fictional and lived, collided. Where readers and writers looked each other in the eye and said, 'I see you.' Yes, I was overwhelmed. But in the best way. Overwhelmed by humanity, the joy, the shared curiosity. I walked away with a few books for my nieces, but more importantly, I walked away with a renewed sense of hope. That in this often chaotic world, there are still places like the Kingsmead Book Fair. Places that remind us to imagine, to dream, to explore … and, ultimately, to reveal something new within ourselves. If you ever find yourself in Johannesburg in May, do yourself a favour. Walk a few extra blocks, follow the smell of cinnamon and coffee and allow yourself to get lost among the stories.
Mail & Guardian
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Calling all birds of a feather to bookmark together at this year's Kingsmead Book Fair
Kingsmead College will host the 13th annual Book Fair on Saturday, 24 May 2025 in association with Standard Bank – Wealth and Investment, Exclusive Books and Media Partner Hot 102.7. The event takes place at the Kingsmead College campus in Melrose, Johannesburg from 09h00 – 18h00. The Kingsmead Book Fair is more than just a marketplace for books – it's a space where people flock together to share stories, build community, explore new ideas, and celebrate creativity. A place where people unite, captivated by the magic of books, immersed in the joy of reading and the beauty of literature. As a school we are passionate about reading and it is so important that our students are exposed to books, authors – in particular African authors – and good reading habits. 'We are excited about the authors on our programme and being able to expose the community to rich and varied topics and sessions. We hope that this year's programme provides an opportunity to engage with new authors and genres or merely come together to spend time soaking up the literary atmosphere.' says Alex Bouche, the Director of the Kingsmead Book Fair. The diverse programme includes more than 140 authors participating in over 80 sessions throughout the day on the adult, young adult, and children's programmes. In addition, we have run our Young Writers' Competition for the fourth year. We received a staggering number of entries. Encouraging a culture of reading and writing, the competition is open to all school children aged 6 – 18. Launched in 2022, the writing competition aims to provide a platform for young writers' skills and a space to explore different genres and styles with feedback from professional writers and publishers. With more than 80% of children in Grade 4 not being able to read for meaning, there is an urgent need for reading and writing to be given more attention. This year's theme calls on young writers to submit an original creative short story inspired by one of these linked words: Seeds, Roots, Bloom, Grow. Prizes for the winning entry in each age group include a cash prize, book voucher and feedback from the judges. Winners will be announced on 21 May 2025. Kingsmead Book Fair has a strong social responsibility ethos. As such, one of the aims of the Kingsmead Book Fair's outreach programme is to offer entrance and session tickets to various organisations and reading groups that otherwise might not have the means to attend. In addition, the school holds a book drive in the weeks leading up to the event where gently loved books are donated and then distributed to our various community partners. All proceeds from the event go towards the Kingsmead Trust. There are currently 60 bright young women benefiting from an excellent education in the Senior School. The bursaries constitute 100% of their school fees, uniforms, daily lunch and tour subsidies. We hope that this year's programme gives a place for readers to unite, wonder to bloom and stories to flourish. We invite all birds of a feather to bookmark together with us on 24 May and enjoy in-depth discussion and heated debate mixed with some exceptional company, good food and drink, not to mention buying your next book at the Exclusive Books pop-up. Situated in the hub of Johannesburg's business centre with convenient transport links, Kingsmead College is ideally positioned to draw people from nearby towns and suburbs. The school has fantastic venues in which to hold the sessions, all close to each other. All in all, it is a day on South Africa's literary calendar that is not to be missed. Tickets on sale via and more information via our website –
Mail & Guardian
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
A literary event to bookmark
Cover to cover: The 13th Kingsmead Book Fair (above), to be held on 24 May at Kingsmead College in Melrose, Johannesburg, has something for everyone, says its director Alex Bouche. There's something unmistakably tender, bold and rooted about the annual Kingsmead Book Fair — something that stretches beyond the crisp paper of books and settles into the spirit of a nation thirsty for words that heal, challenge, provoke and unite. Now in its 13th year, this cultural landmark, in association with Standard Bank, returns to the leafy embrace of Kingsmead College in Melrose, Johannesburg, on 24 May. It does so not merely as a literary gathering but as a living, breathing tapestry of ideas where voices echo across age, race, class and creed. This year's theme, Birds of a Feather Bookmark Together, is both lyrical and profound — sounding almost like a proverb whispered by a grandmother at twilight. It speaks to belonging, to flight, to community. It is a soft rebellion against isolation, a call to assemble around shared stories. And according to Alex Bouche, director of the fair, the theme came out of an desire to craft something that embodies the power of reading to unite us. 'Reading brings all people together,' she says, and that heartbeat pulses through every session and every page turned on that day. Curating a festival like this is not for the faint of heart. With the guidance of a passionate committee — Jennifer Platt, Onke Mazibuko, Sue Nyathi, Bruce Dennill and Pamela Power — Bouche and her team began shaping the fair as early as September. Publishers, publicists and literary scouts all play their part but what sets Kingsmead apart is its unwavering commitment to relevance and representation. Each panel is more than a talk — it's a carefully woven narrative featuring authors and books that reflect, challenge and celebrate who we are now. From the start, Kingsmead Book Fair has centred South African voices. That focus has paid off in the authenticity of its conversations and in the crowd it attracts: a mosaic of people, cosmopolitan and diverse, who come to soak up literature that speaks directly to them. Families, teachers, students, seasoned bibliophiles, reluctant readers — all find something to hold on to, whether in the young adult tent or among the heavyweights of non-fiction and memoir. One of the most potent powers of literature is its ability to nudge open the doors of conversation. At a time when South Africa's social and political landscape feels increasingly polarised, the Kingsmead Book Fair dares to be a meeting ground. 'Our panels are relevant,' Bouche notes. 'We discuss hot topics that are happening in the world right now.' This year will see voices like Antjie Krog and Khaya Dlanga sparking debate. Tony Leon will bring his political acumen; Zukiswa Wanner her global pan-African insight. And what about the next generation of readers and writers? Kingsmead does not forget them. The Young Writers' Competition, launched in 2022, is one of the festival's crown jewels. This year's prompt — Seeds, Roots, Bloom, Grow — reads like a manifesto for young minds. The competition is open to children aged six to 18 and, beyond the cash prizes and book vouchers, lies something even more valuable — validation. A gentle yet fierce reminder that their voices matter. Kingsmead's ethos doesn't end at the gates of privilege. With a strong social responsibility programme, the fair ensures access for those who might otherwise be excluded. Free tickets are distributed to organisations and reading groups, and the annual book drive ensures stories continue to flow long after the tents have been packed up. All proceeds from the day go to the Kingsmead Trust, funding full bursaries for 60 young women in the senior school — covering not only tuition, but meals, uniforms and opportunities that many only dream of. Organising an event of this scale is not without its challenges. Striking the right balance of voices, topics and genres each year requires deep listening and honest introspection. Some years, Bouche admits, are easier than others. But every year, the reward is the same: 'The incredible energy and vibe on the day … people are so happy to be there.' That happiness, one suspects, is not accidental — it is earned, moment by moment, book by book. And what does the future hold for the Kingsmead Book Fair? Bouche dreams of more sponsorships — not for grandeur's sake, but to deepen the offering: more workshops, more international guests and richer engagement. She's quick to add: 'If it isn't broken, don't fix it.' Last year's success was no fluke, and 2025 looks poised to build on that firm foundation. So who should we be looking out for this year? 'There are too many to choose from! You wouldn't want to miss Zelda la Grange, Tshiamo Modisane, Marina Auer, Sven Axelrad – we really have the most incredible literary talent in South Africa. I have no idea how I am going to split myself between all the incredible sessions. 'There is something for everyone,' says Bouche. In a world hungering for connection, the Kingsmead Book Fair offers a feast of words, ideas and shared humanity. Come for the books, stay for the community.
TimesLIVE
11-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Stories meet Standard Bank at Kingsmead Book Fair 2025
On Saturday May 24 literature will meet financial literacy in an increasingly globalised world, à la four sessions brought to you by Standard Bank Wealth and Investment at the 13th annual Kingsmead Book Fair. Picture the scene: on the immaculate campus of Kingsmead College, Joburg is transformed into a space dedicated to saluting books with a programme that allows bibliophiles to immerse themselves in the joy of reading, celebrating creativity, topical debates, amusing activities for the young 'uns, talks ranging from the historical to the hilarious, and local and global authors sharing the stage. Complemented with book markets, food stalls offering a smorgasbord of nosh from hot dogs to churros, and refreshment vendors who'll ensure you stay hydrated — be it with sparkling water or a tot of tipple — and vibey tunes brought to you by Hot 102.7 in the background, Kingsmead Book Fair caters for all, with Standard Bank adding to the diverse programme. Kick off your morning with Peer Pressure: Are You in Control of Your Decisions? (11am to 12pm), brought to you by Standard Bank Wealth and Investment, in which an expert panel, including the cofounder of Klikd, Sarah Hoffman, will explore how behavioural influences shapes decision-making among the next generation. The role of social media, peer pressure and the impact of herd mentality will be investigated in this thought-provoking talk about the challenges future generations will face in an increasingly connected world. After a quick sustenance break, you can join Standard Bank chief economist Goolam Ballim and global markets head of sales trading Tom Gale for the conversation Investment Implications in a New Geopolitical Era (12.30pm to 1.30pm). These financial fundis will share their views on how geopolitics influence the markets. Investors in the audience can (literally) profit from Ballim and Gale's deep dive into ensuring the stability of their portfolios amid market uncertainty. Easter may be over but financial savvy is for life! Join Coco the Money Bunny from 1.30pm to 2.20pm for her exciting journey of opening her very first bank account at Smart Money Habits: Coco's First Bank Account. In this fun approach to financial acumen, brought to you by Standard Bank, Coco will teach young minds how to develop smart money habits with a (sum) 1 Savings Account, and introduce your money-minded moppet to the benefits of Junior Perks! For your commercial coda of the day, join Nokuzola Cossie, head of fiduciary advisory and Stefan Viljoen, head of family office for The Cost of Leaving a Legacy: A Book Yet to Be Written. Taking place from 2.30pm to 3.30pm and brought to you by Standard Bank Wealth and Investment, Cossie and Viljoen will examine how you, your family and other beneficiaries can enjoy the maximum benefit from your estate. If attentive estate planning be the financial food of life, let the multi-generational legacy prosper on!
