10th Knysna Literary Festival boasts high profile line-up
With only one week to go before the Knysna Literary Festival kicks off on the 8th of March, tickets are selling fast.
Festival founder and sponsor, Ling Dobson of Pam Golding Properties Knysna & Plett , said they look forward to an exciting three days.
“JJ Thabane, General Bantu Holomisa and Eric Naki discussing The Game Changer, an autobiography written by Eric Naki on the life of General Bantu Holomisa, will certainly be interesting.
Holomisa is one of South Africa’s most respected and popular political figures and this biography, written in collaboration with Holomisa, presents an engaging and revealing account of a man who has made his mark as a game changer in South African politics.”
Dobson said another event not to be missed, especially for those interested in current affairs, is Adam Habib’s discussion of his book, Rebels and Rage. “Adam Habib is the current Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg. One of the most prominent and outspoken academic leaders through the recent student protests, in his book he takes a characteristically frank view of the past 3 years on South Africa’s campuses, critically examining the student movement and individual student leaders who emerged under the banners #feesmustfall and #Rhodesmustfall. ”
Emma Sadlier, social media consultant and lawyer, is discussing her latest book, Selfies, Sexts & Smartphones.
“Selfies, Sexts and Smartphones is the book every teenager (and their parents) should read. It covers all of the major issues teenagers face in the digital age, including cyberbullying, sexting, addiction, internet safety, porn, anxiety, depression, privacy and reputation, and does so within a South African context. Accessible, informative and even fun, this book will help guide you to a happy, rewarding and, most importantly, safe online life,” said Dobson.
On the lighter side, Vanessa Raphaely, known to many as the former award-winning editor of Cosmopolitan South Africa, will discuss her thrilling debut novel, Plus One. Dobson said Raphaely has had a long career in women’s media, including many years in London and even if the novel is not an autobiography, the setting and experiences are real enough.
“Plus One is about two young women who find themselves in the darker side of the Hollywood media industry. The book touches on important themes surrounding women’s issues, many of which led to the creation of the #MeToo movement. It’s contemporary fiction, a page-turner with something to say and a very real sting in its tail, yet highly enjoyable reading. ”
Switching gears, storytelling and age-old feuds are on the menu as well known storyteller Michael Charton explores the origins of the unique rugby rivalry between the All Blacks and the Springboks. Dobson said Charton uses a forgotten Springbok Tour of New Zeeland in 1937 as the platform and characters to bring the story to life.
“His message celebrates the value system associated with rugby’s amateur era and it serves as a nostalgic reminder of what is important in life and legacy.”
For more information on these events and the full programme please visit Knysna Literary Festival or call (044) 382 5574.
2019 Programme Knysna Literary Festival
Tickets are available at the Pam Golding Properties offices in Gray Street, Knysna, or online on Quicket.