2025 iLembe Book Festival set to revolutionise reading culture in South Africa

The iLembe Book Festival returns to the Luthuli Museum in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal on October 25.

The festival was founded by writers Nozizwe Cynthia Jele, Dudu Busani-Dube, Sifiso Mzobe and Niq Mhlongo. 

The idea for the festival began over lunch when Jele suggested creating a book festival in the iLembe District, noting the absence of literacy programmes in the area.

“It was 2023, and we had both moved from Joburg to Ballito two years earlier. We came from a place where reading culture is strong to a place where it was non-existent. As writers, we felt we had a responsibility to change that,” said Busani-Dube.

Busani-Dube reflected on how her own journey shaped the festival’s vision.

“I started writing and publishing at a time when the perception was that black people don’t read. Over the years, that has changed, not because people suddenly started reading, but because books began telling stories that reflect the lives of the majority of South Africans."

"This festival focuses on township and rural communities because the lack of reading culture can be changed.”

The founders said the festival’s mission is simple.

“We want people to read. Literature is often seen as a hobby reserved for a particular class. It is viewed as a privilege instead of a basic need. Books are expensive, yes, but we must find ways to make them accessible,” Jele said. 

“Our theme this year is ‘Reading is a Right, Not a Privilege'. The festival creates a space where the book industry can gather to promote literacy.”

The festival celebrates local authors, culture and literature through inclusive programming. “One of our biggest panels last year was the IsiZulu writers panel,” Mzobe said.

The event brings together readers, writers and creatives from the Ilembe District Municipality and surrounding areas. It features panel discussions, a school outreach programme, poetry workshops and a slam poetry event, all aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for literature and the spoken word.  

The main festival will take place on Saturday, October 25, with activities starting on Thursday with a school book donation drive and a writing workshop on Friday.

This year, the festival is partnering with Thembeni Primary in Groutville and Lloyd Primary in Stanger, aiming to donate at least 3,000 books through the Siyafunda Donate A Book initiative.

“The festival is only in its second year, so we are not where we want to be yet, but being the first and only book festival in the district is a start,” said Busani-Dube.

The founders are working to expand the festival’s reach to communities in KwaMaphumulo, Ndwedwe and Mandeni.

Young people and emerging writers are a key focus. “Luthuli Museum is focused on youth development and has been very helpful,” Busani-Dube said. “Our first event with them included a full-day writing workshop conducted by Zukiswa Warner and Sifiso Mzobe. We plan to expand this year’s workshop to include more participants.”

Looking ahead, the founders want the festival to grow in attendance and scope. “We aim to get more people every year. Eventually, we hope to involve the film industry because books and film complement each other,” Jele said.

The most rewarding part of the festival has been seeing it succeed and return. “Seeing the festival go as planned and being able to do it again this year is very fulfilling,” Busani-Dube said.

Support for the festival comes from donations and funding.

“Funds go toward bringing authors from across the country to KwaDukuza. Donations of books, whether new or pre-owned, are welcome. Attending the festival is the most important way to support it. Entrance is free,” Busani-Dube added.

A successful festival, according to the founders, is one where attendees leave with books, feel motivated to write and understand the importance of literacy.

“And, of course, success is measured by strong attendance,” Jele noted.