Open Book Festival has unveiled the complete programme for Open Book Festival 2025, now live and available for public viewing, with bookings officially open via Webtickets for the three-day celebration taking place 5 to 7 September, 2025.
Following successful community fundraising that reached the critical R500K target after government funding cuts, this year’s festival promises to be a dynamic celebration of literature, ideas, and storytelling reflective of the community’s support.
“This festival belongs to everyone who believes in the power of storytelling to create understanding and drive change.” say Festival organisers.
The lineup features an exceptional array of renowned authors, poets, and storytellers who will lead discussions, readings, and interactive sessions over three days. Through the lens of books, attendees will explore pressing social issues and universal human experiences, with themes including mental health and wellbeing, evolving relationships and identity, the importance of creativity, and how history continues to shape our present.
The festival showcases both established and emerging voices across a diverse range of conversations.
Key events include:
Director’s Choice: Literary Spaces and Belonging features Festival Director Mervyn Sloman in conversation with Mohale Mashigo, Lesedi Molefi, and Mbali Sikakana about how Black writers navigate white literary spaces, running for 90 minutes with audience participation encouraged.
Up Close with Maneo presents an unmissable conversation between Maneo Mohale and literary icon Tsitsi Dangarembga, discussing complex states of Black girlhood in Dangarembga’s acclaimed Tambudzai and Nyasha trilogy.
Conversations with Mohale: Are We Tired Yet? sees Pumla Dineo Gqola, Goretti Kyomuhendo, and Zulaikha Patel speak to Mohale Mashigo about emotional exhaustion and crisis fatigue.
From Pan Africanism to the Black Atlantic features Adekeye Adebajo and Bibi Bakare-Yusuf speaking to Maneo Mohale about rethinking frameworks and identities to understand what it means to be Black and African.
Make Noise & Hold All Applause sees Lesedi Molefi exploring mental health and capitalism, asking what it means to stop performing and say the quiet part out loud, joined by Mpho Boshego, Andile Cele, and Nthato Mokgata.
Banging on the Walls of the Tank has Haidar Eid speaking to Usuf Chikte about his new book, a collection of essays and articles he wrote and published during the Israeli onslaught on Gaza and the “hermetic blockade” that has been in place since 2007.
Open Book maintains its commitment to accessibility, with complimentary tickets available for those experiencing financial barriers. All requests for comp tickets should be directed to .
Early booking is recommended as several sessions have limited capacity. Books by participating authors are available from The Book Lounge, and attendees are encouraged to read ahead of the festival.
In a nutshell
Open Book Festival 2025
At various Cape Town venues
From 5 to 7 September 2025
Full programme at www.openbookfestival.co.za – attendees can click through to Webtickets to book their tickets.
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Pictures: Picture iSkeem Semicimbi
