The third edition of the Eastern Cape Provincial Book Fair is set to take place from 3 to 5 October at the Bush Christian Camp in Cove Ridge, Buffalo City Metro. Described as a literary experience rooted in language, identity, and imagination, the three-day festival, hosted by the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, aims to provide a platform for dialogue and reflection on the transformative power of literature in society. It highlights the department’s commitment to fostering a culture of reading and promoting appreciation for diverse languages in the province.
This year’s invited guest authors include legendary actor, coach, and author Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha; one of South Africa’s most influential business voices and bestselling author Khaya Dlanga; founder of the Izibazana Women’s Association and published author Siphokazi Vanessa Mpofu; and beloved storyteller Dr Gcina Mhlophe, who will bring African tales to life in the children’s corner, filling it with laughter, dreams, and the joy of books.
According to a study conducted by the University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa is grappling with a severe literacy crisis, with 81% of the country’s Grade 4 learners struggling to read for comprehension by the age of 10. The Eastern Cape is one of the hardest-hit provinces, and the book fair seeks to tackle this issue by promoting literacy and instilling a love for reading.
The MEC for the department, Sibulele Ngongo, said, “To foster a culture of reading, the department is also exploring other strategies, such as forming book clubs in schools and community libraries, organising book reviews, spelling bees, and reading competitions.” She added that they are bringing Nal’ibali to the festival — South Africa’s reading-for-enjoyment campaign, which inspires children aged 0–12 to develop a love for reading, based on the belief in nurturing children early in the way they should go.
