The 9th African Women Writers’ Symposium takes place from 8 to 20 of October 2023, featuring keynote addresses, panels, workshops and more on all things literature.

The Symposium will kick off on Sunday 8 October at the Soweto Theatre and will result in the launch of the first ever African Women Writers Literary Award. The occasion will feature a special talk by Rhodessa Jones (San Francisco, USA), writer, activist, actor and theatre director of the Medea Project: Theatre for incarcerated Women. Jones works with incarcerated women in the USA and has worked over several years in South Africa at Sun City ‘Prison with women inmates'. Her work is focused on using theatre to reduce recidivism in society. She will be looking at issues around women, love, crime and incarceration: including ‘celebrity’ criminals and societal perceptions. Joining her will be writer and journalist Naledi Shange, author of Killer Cop, the story of Rosemary Ndlovu, and Lindiwe Dhlamini, in a conversation facilitated by Nomboniso Gasa. The programme will end with music and poetry by award winning artists such as Boskasie, Muneyi, Marleyne B, Dshamilja Roshani and Torsten Clear Rybka.

The second major part of the African Women Writers Symposium will move to the Auditorium (Market Photo Workshop, at the Market Square, Newtown) on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 October 2023. Writer and academic Professor Barbara Boswell will deliver the Nadine Gordimer In Memoriam Lecture on Friday 13 October, followed by a Q&A facilitated by Joanne Joseph. Music, poetry and workshops will also take place.

Previous keynote addresses for the Nadine Gordimer In Memoriam Lecture have been delivered by writers from the continent and its diaspora, such as Patricia Smith (USA), Tsitsi Dangarembga (Zimbabwe), Leila Aboulela (Sudan), Gillian Slovo (SA), and Lorna Goodison (Jamaica), amongst others.

Saturday 14 October will feature various literary international and local panel discussions on contemporary issues as well as master class workshops. Some of the highlights to look out for include a talk led by Egyptian activist and feminist Mona Eltahawy on social media and misogyny, a panel on independent book publishing, workshops on poetry writing beyond the stage, on scriptwriting and filmmaking, and much more.

Websites:

• Afroarts.co.za
• Discovr.tv
• Sowetotheatre.com

Facebook Page: African Women Writers Network

All programme events are free and open to the public but RSVP is essential for audience members wishing to attend in person. RSVPs are to be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For media interviews or any additional info please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 011 788 7632 or 083 954 6133

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of African Women Writers’ Symposium and Afro Arts SA

9th African Women Writers Symposium - Detailed Programme:

Date: Sunday 8 October 2023

Venue: Soweto Theatre

[2pm onwards]

The launch inaugural African Women Writers Literary Prize of the African Women Writers Symposium will follow a talk by Rhodessa Jones, on Women, Love, Crime and Incarceration: including ‘celebrity’ criminals and societal perception. She will be joined by Naledi Shange, author of Cop Killer, the story of Rosemary Ndlovu, and Lindiwe Dhlamini, in a discussion facilitated by Nomboniso Gasa.

The evening will wrap up with music and poetry by Boskasie, Muneyi, Marleyne B,  Dshamilja Roshani and Torsten Clear Rybka.

Date: Friday 13 October 2023

Venue: The Auditorium / Market Photo Workshop

 

[2-4pm]

Scriptwriting and Filmmaking Workshop, presented by award-winning writers, filmmakers and producers with decades of experience Busisiwe Ntintili and Carolyn Carew.

[4.30 for 5pm]

Nadine Gordimer In Memoriam Lecture, presented by Professor Barbara Boswell followed by Q&A facilitated by Joanne Joseph. Music and poetry by Ikati Esengxoweni and Kamva String Quartet.

Date: Saturday 14 October 2023

Venue: The Auditorium / Market Photo Workshop

[10am-12pm]

Poetry and music of Leonard Cohen, poetry workshop presented by writer Arja Salafranca and musician and composer Siya Makuzeni.

[12-2pm]

Independent Book Publishing, panel discussion with Flow Wellington, Dr Nkateko Masinga, and Gary Cummiskey; facilitated by Shafinaaz Hassim.

[3-4.30pm]

Writing Beyond the Stage for Poetry, panel discussion with Mandi Vundla, Dr Raphael d’Abdon and Indigene Corefio; facilitated by Vus’umuzi Phakathi.

[4.30-6.30pm]

Social Media and Misogyny, panel discussion with acclaimed Egyptian feminist and writer Mona Eltahawy (live link up with a SA panel), Qhakaza Mbali Mohare, Terry-Ann Adams and Thandwefika Tshabalala; facilitated by Zoya Mabuto-Mokoditoa.

Note for editors

Afro Arts SA, directed by Ms Roshnie Moonsammy, is at the forefront in presenting a wide range of cultural activities from quality music concerts to educational workshops on poetry, music and literature.

Writer and academic Professor Barbara Boswell will deliver the Nadine Gordimer In Memoriam Lecture on Friday 13 October, followed by a Q&A facilitated by Joanne Joseph.