LUSIKISIKI, EASTERN CAPE – KwaziThina Publishers invites you to PLAY YOUR PART in the 4th edition of the Funda Mpondo Literary Festival. Taking place September 3-4, 2025, at the Lusikisiki Health Resource Centre, this year’s event is themed “Bridging Generations Through Tales of the Past, Present, and Future”. It will also harness the power of storytelling to connect diverse age groups and bridge generational divides, with an intergenerational focus.
Honoring Literary Excellence
The festival is honoured to host renowned storyteller, author, and poet Dr. Gcina Mhlophe. A central highlight is the deeply moving “My Grandmother’s (Ilivo/Ibali LikaMakhulu) Story Session,” where narratives will be meticulously collected for future publication as a significant anthology, powered by the National Heritage Council. This initiative directly embodies the festival’s mission, aligning with the NHC’s pillar to protect, preserve, and promote heritage residing in the oratory.
Opening Ceremony and International Participation
The 4th edition will open with the National Anthem by Jamakazi Bazana and will feature creative talents from:
- America
- Malawi
- Ghana
- Botswana
- Nigeria
- Zimbabwe
- Lesotho
- Namibia
- Across South Africa
The program actively engages local schools and features dedicated intergenerational dialogue sessions, bringing together elders, middle-aged individuals, and youth to share perspectives and foster mutual understanding across the age spectrum.
Interactive Sessions and Community Engagement
Play Your Part Corner Session
Attendees can look forward to the “Play Your Part Corner” session, “How I Can Play My Part in Building the South Africa We Want,” directly encouraging Active Citizenship and community engagement—core pillars of Brand South Africa’s Play Your Part campaign.
Special Programming
The festival also includes:
- Special Reading of Ilivo lesiMpondo: A dedicated storytelling session in IsiMpondo.
- Heritage Preservation and Social Cohesion pillars: Further supporting community connection initiatives
Distinguished Speakers and Authors
The festival truly embodies ‘Play Your Part’ by using storytelling to bridge generational divides. Featured speakers include:
- Nomvelo Njongo: Festival Curator and Organizer, distinguished National Heritage Ambassador, 2024 National Voice of Heritage Award winner, and Brand South Africa Play Your Part Ambassador
- Ms. Njongo: Will read a chapter titled “Prayer to Bridging Generations with Wisdom” from her forthcoming book, A Prayer for My Children’s Children
“We’re creating spaces for connection and safeguarding our collective heritage. Partnering with the National Heritage Council on ‘My Grandmother’s Story’ directly contributes to preserving invaluable oral traditions, while our youth engagement actively supports youth empowerment,” says Ms. Njongo.
Book Launches and Literary Conversations
The festival features exciting author conversations and book launches, including:
- The Right to Live a Full Life by Tobe Thabede
- Mogau by Mogau Letswalo
- Ndamitha Njani Singadibananga by Nozibele Maquywa
- Masiqhube Kusakhanya by Nomonde Makhetwa
Community Partnership and Support
The festival’s success is made possible through invaluable support from esteemed partners:
- Brand South Africa Play Your Part (whose pillars of Active Citizenship, Social Cohesion, Heritage Preservation, and Youth Empowerment are embodied throughout the festival)
- National Heritage Council (NHC)
- Walter Sisulu University
- Department of Education
The festival has also partnered with local media to amplify the message of generational connection, reaching a broader audience.
Exhibitions and Literary Marketplace
Attendees can explore diverse exhibitors, including
- Megwa Tea SA
- Eastern Cape Women Writers Association
- KTP Books and other independent authors
About the Festival
The Funda Mpondo Literary Festival remains a beacon for literary excellence and intergenerational connection in the Eastern Cape, spanning the generational chasm through shared narratives. It is an annual event dedicated to promoting literature, fostering a love for reading, and facilitating dialogue across generations through storytelling and literary arts.
Event Details
Date: September 3-4, 2025
Venue: Lusikisiki Health Resource Centre, Eastern Cape
Theme: Bridging Generations Through Tales of the Past, Present, and Future
Media Contact
Lufuno Dolosi
pr@kwazithina.co.za
Nomvelo Njongo
info@kwazithina.co.za
Join us in celebrating the power of storytelling to unite generations and preserve our rich cultural heritage. Play Your Part in Building the South Africa We Want.