It’s the time of year again when Heartlands Baby Sanctuary hosts its annual South African Festival of Children’s Literature, which will take place this year from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 May.
The third festival will again showcase South African icons, including storytellers, poets and playwrights, while showcasing the award winning work done by the Somerset West temporary residential safe care facility for children.
Festival director Darryl Earl David said the jam-packed programme will kick off at 09:30 daily, and ticket prices are set at R50 per person, while schoolchildren can attend the festival on Friday for free.
Described as the most experienced curator of book festivals, he is also the founder of Book Town Richmond (equivalent of Hay-on-Wye), the only book town on the African continent, pioneer of SA’s only Unesco City of Literature (Durban), director of Hermanus as Unesco City of Gastronomy, founder of SA’s Mural Town and author of three books on churches of SA, among other accolades.
“The entire festival will be live-streamed by The University of the Western Cape, which has partnered with us for the festival this year,” he said, adding that little ones can also enjoy pony rides, face painting, pottery classes, story-telling and lots of other kiddies’ entertainment between reading sessions.
More than 50 authors have already confirmed their attendance of the festival.
The large parking ground at the premises allows for a lot of movement over the weekend, in addition to the coffee shop, bookshop and chic boutique being open to visitors.
Said David: “There are always some authors who stand out, just as Fred Khumalo, who is a well-known journalist and author and we’re glad to have him there. Another well-known author attending will be award winning South African novelist Sally Partridge, who will speak on two of her books and also launch a brand-new book.
“A session not to miss is that of award-winning, bestselling author Robbie Cheadle, who has published 13 children’s books and two poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short-story anthologies. Cheadle illustrates her work with cakes, which is unusual and very exciting. This cake illustrations will be cut up and eaten by those who are there. So that’s really a highlight.”
There will also be many Afrikaans authors in attendance, and in all there will be something for everyone as well as unique interactions for visitors to enjoy. Former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida will also speak on the book she launched in 2021 and other, international authors are expected to attend as well.
The festival is intended, among other things, to boost cultural and heritage tourism, support government in attracting new specialised markets and act as a marketing and exposure tool for both the province and award winning Heartlands Baby Sanctuary.
“If one looks at the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received one will see this festival we are planning has definitely struck a chord in the country, and even the world,” David declared, “what with international speakers on the programme.
“It was a joy to put this festival together, authors were eager and the buy-in was phenomenal. A big part of the reason for this initial success is the baby sanctuary. People know this is a good cause and acknowledge the wonderful work they do.
“Try not to miss the awarding of the South African children’s laureate prize on the Saturday. We have the most amazing books on our programme, not just fairy tales but books that open the mind and inspire, books on dinosaurs and books on non-fiction, books on how to make things, colouring in books and all these amazing interactive books. There’s truly something for everyone.”
- For more information on the South African Festival of Children’s Literature, contact Nikki Bower of Heartlands Baby Sanctuary on 021 852 3527 or nikki@heartlandsbaby.org.
