Durban’s most bohemian neighbourhood is preparing for a four-day celebration of literature, voices, creativity and visual art.
From September 24 to 27, the Glenwood Book Fair will transform the suburb into an open-air pavilion of ideas, taking over local heritage sites, galleries and public spaces.
Organised as a non-profit effort by MyGlenwood and the Durban Book Club, the fair coincides with Heritage Weekend. It forms a key pillar in honouring Durban’s standing as Africa’s first UNESCO City of Literature, bringing together nearly 60 authors, poets, historians and artists for an entirely free public programme.
"The Glenwood Book Fair is designed to celebrate Durban as a UNESCO City of Literature, drive a culture of writing and reading, and promote writing and publishing - especially in indigenous languages," said event organiser Vasantha Angamuthu.
"All sessions are free, and we hope to see everyone out in full force this Heritage Weekend."
Four days, four cultural spaces
Rather than holding the festival inside a standard convention hall, organisers have mapped the event across four distinct venues, reflecting the creative character of the suburb.
"The GBF will start on Thursday with a program designed for children and youth featuring children’s authors, dancers, musicians and storytelling at the beautiful Bulwer Park.
"On Friday we move to Mazisi Kunene Museum where the focus shifts to examining and celebrating the work of South Africa’s first poet laureate, Mazisi Kunene and the promotion of indigenous languages with a panel featuring isiZulu writers and writing.
"We shift to the arts next with an afternoon program at the KZNSA. Here a panel will examine the intersection of art and storytelling before we welcome best-selling local authors for a panel called 'The Durban Voice'.
"Saturday and Sunday will see us gather at the Phansi Museum. Surrounded by Paul Mikula’s peerless collection, we will meet and hear from dozens of authors - from best-selling novelists to historians, from poets to sociologists - all steered in their conversations by Durban’s best known citizens," shares Angamuthu.
Some featured authors
Professor Ashwin Desai: One of South Africa's foremost critical sociologists, authors and public intellectuals. Desai spent a significant part of his career in Durban, where he lectured at the former University of Durban-Westville and worked closely with grassroots social movements. He is highly celebrated for his fearless, non-mainstream commentary and his dedicated research into the lived experiences of oppression, identity and resistance.
Anivesh Singh: Managing director and head publisher of Micromega Publications, literary organiser and social entrepreneur. He is one of the most active catalysts behind promoting Durban as a UNESCO City of Literature, recognised for championing grassroots voices and self-published local authors who are overlooked by mainstream publishing houses. His house focuses entirely on historical preservation, niche memoirs, and cultural anthologies.
Dudu Busani-Dube: Best-selling author, self-publishing pioneer and former journalist. She is widely celebrated for changing the landscape of contemporary South African fiction with her blockbuster "Hlomu" book series, which sparked a massive national reading movement - particularly among Black South African women.
Gaishrie Sharon Singh: Author, metaphysicist, motivational speaker and transformational therapist based in Durban. Before dedicating her career to holistic healing, soul-centered therapy, and self-publishing, she spent more than 40 years building a diverse corporate background. She runs Gaishrie Sharon Publishing, a boutique house that mentors emerging writers.
Michael Sutcliffe: Former eThekwini City manager, academic, urban planner and policy advisor. Sutcliffe is a public governance expert best known for his extensive work on urbanisation, municipal governance and local politics. As an author and academic researcher, his written contributions focus primarily on post-apartheid policy, local government turnaround strategies and socio-economic analysis in South Africa.
Attendees can browse pre-loved books, discover local authors and publishers and explore a vibrant craft and vintage market filled with handmade creations, collectables, clothing, décor and one-of-a-kind treasures.
With delicious food, family-friendly activities and stories waiting around every corner, there will be something for readers, collectors, creatives and curious minds of all ages.
Where: Thursday, September 24 to Sunday, September 27. (Umbilo Library at Bulwer Park, Mazisi Kunene Museum, KZNSA Gallery and Phansi Museum.)
Cost: All literary panels, poetry readings and story sessions are free.
alyssia.birjalal@nationalmg.co.za