New Consul General marks his first India Day in Johannesburg as thousands gather for South Africa’s largest celebration of Indian heritage — in a year that commemorates eight decades of Indian independence
JOHANNESBURG, AUGUST 2026: India Club South Africa, in association with the Consulate General of India in Johannesburg, will host India Day 2026 on Sunday, 16 August 2026, at Sandown High School, Sandton.
This year’s celebration carries exceptional historical significance. India Day 2026 falls just one day after 15 August — the 80th anniversary of India’s independence from British rule in 1947. For South Africa, which walked its own long road to freedom — achieving formal legal sovereignty in 1934 and dismantling minority apartheid rule in 1994 — this is not a distant milestone. The two nations share a deeply intertwined history of resistance, solidarity and mutual inspiration, and India Day 2026 is a celebration of that shared story.
Held under the theme “Timeless Traditions, Changing Times, Unchanged Roots,” the festival will celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring people-to-people ties between India and South Africa.
The event will be graced by H.E. Shri Prabhat Kumar, High Commissioner of India to South Africa, and Shri S. Koventhan, Consul General of India in Johannesburg, along with representatives of government, the diplomatic community, business, cultural organisations and the Indian diaspora.
The 2026 edition is particularly significant as it marks Shri S. Koventhan’s first India Day celebration since assuming charge as Consul General in Johannesburg.
Now established as one of South Africa’s largest annual celebrations of Indian culture, India Day brings together thousands of visitors for a day of cultural performances, cuisine, heritage, entrepreneurship and community engagement. It also serves as an important platform for strengthening friendship and collaboration between India and South Africa.
“India Day celebrates not only the richness of India’s cultural heritage but also the shared values that unite our diverse communities — family, respect, resilience, entrepreneurship and service,” said Mr Manish Gupta, Chairman of India Club South Africa. “It is a space where cultures meet, stories are shared and friendships are strengthened. In this 80th anniversary year of Indian independence, India Day carries a meaning that goes beyond celebration — it is a tribute to the freedom that was hard won, and to the values that have sustained both our nations ever since.”
Speaking ahead of the event, Consul General Shri S. Koventhan said: “I am delighted to participate in my first India Day celebration in Johannesburg. India and South Africa share a special historical relationship founded on mutual respect, democratic values and strong people-to-people connections. Cultural platforms such as India Day deepen mutual understanding and bring our communities even closer.
“As we mark 80 years of India’s independence, we are reminded that this friendship has deep roots. India gained independence from British rule on 15 August 1947, while South Africa’s path to full freedom — through formal legal sovereignty in 1934 and the final collapse of apartheid in 1994 — was one that India watched, supported and inspired. Both nations share a history of resistance, solidarity and mutual inspiration that no passage of time can diminish. India Day is a living expression of that bond.”
The programme will present a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary cultural expressions from India and South Africa. Through dance, music, food, fashion, art and storytelling, the festival will demonstrate how traditions continue to evolve while remaining rooted in the values and experiences that shape identity and belonging.
Visitors can look forward to:
India Day 2026 will also recognise the contribution of the Indian diaspora to South Africa’s economic, social and cultural development. The event is expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors, creating an inclusive space where heritage meets innovation and cultural diversity becomes a source of unity and shared progress.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Sunday, 16 August 2026
Time: 10h30 – 20h00
Venue: Sandown High School, Sandton
Theme: Timeless Traditions, Changing Times, Unchanged Roots
Entry: Free and open to the public
For exhibition opportunities, stall bookings and participation enquiries, contact India Club South Africa at indiaclubsouthafrica@gmail.com
MEDIA ENQUIRIES AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS
Members of the media seeking interviews with representatives of India Club South Africa, the Consulate General of India, sponsors, performers or participating exhibitors are encouraged to contact the official public relations team:
JT Communication Solutions - media@jtcomms.co.za - 083 954 6133 / 011 788 7632
ABOUT INDIA CLUB SOUTH AFRICA
India Club South Africa is a community-driven organisation committed to promoting cultural exchange, community engagement and social impact. Through flagship initiatives such as India Day, the organisation continues to build meaningful connections between India and South Africa while celebrating diversity, inclusion and shared prosperity.
ENDS
On The List – Broadway the NSA Way: an original South African musical from NSA and K-Movement, backed by the SAMPRA Development Fund, sees the triple threat NSA learners in the spotlight.
JOHANNESBURG — The National School of the Arts (NSA), in partnership with K-Movement and with the support of the SAMPRA Development Fund, presents ON THE LIST – Broadway the NSA Way, a vibrant new South African musical taking to The Lesedi stage at the Joburg Theatre from 6 to 9 August. Set in 2026 ON THE LIST explores a rapidly changing creative culture and landscape. It can also be seen as NSA's youthful homage to A Chorus Line and Fame of the 70s. ON THE LIST touches on AI, influencer culture, popularity versus artistry, and money versus integrity — while celebrating the grit it takes to hold onto a creative dream. The production asks a timely question: in a world where technology can create almost anything, what makes an artist truly irreplaceable?
At the heart of the story is a determined young female director on a mission to create South Africa's next ground-breaking musical. As singers, dancers, comedians, musicians and dreamers battle for a place in the spotlight, ambition clashes with truth, relationships are tested, and hidden stories come to light. What begins as a search for talent becomes a journey of identity, healing and belonging — guided by an unexpected spiritual presence — as the director discovers that greatness is never achieved alone.
“Returning to the National School of the Arts is a powerful full-circle moment,” said Khaya Ndlovu Mpehle, an NSA Class of 2009 alum and Founder & Creative Director of K-Movement. “These halls shaped my love for storytelling, creativity and movement, and it is a profound honour to return and inspire the next generation of artists.
“At K-Movement, we believe in creating with intention, moving with purpose, and using every creative process to inspire growth, connection and meaningful change. We do not simply create performances; we create platforms that empower artists to find their voice, own their authenticity, and step boldly into their potential.
“'On The List' is a tribute to resilience, identity, and the truth that every artist deserves to belong. My hope is that every student who steps onto the stage leaves knowing that dreams are built through purpose, discipline, and community. When we invest in young artists today, we are not only shaping their future — we are creating the mentors, leaders and visionaries who will inspire the generations that follow. That is the legacy I am honoured to continue: creating with intention, leading with purpose, and ensuring that the next generation of artists knows they belong.”
Made Possible by the SAMPRA Development Fund
The National School of the Arts gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the SAMPRA Development Fund for its sponsorship of this production. The Fund, the Corporate Social Investment arm of the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), has enabled the NSA to afford the professional production values that have become the hallmark of productions coming out of this legacy School of Specialisation in Performing and Creative Arts.
The Creative Team
Co-Directors, Writers & Choreographers: Khaya Ndlovu Mpehle & Kensiwe Tshabalala | Head Writer: MoMo Matsunyane | Musical Directors: Tshepang Dean & Zolani Shangase | Set & Lighting Design: Wilhelm Disbergen. Production Coordinator: Itu Sifiso Chiloane
Performance Schedule
| 6 August, 19:00 (preview) | R50 |
| 7 August, 19:00 (opening night) | R150 |
| 8 August, 15:00 and 19:00 | R150 |
| 9 August, 11:00 and 16:00 | R150 |
Venue: The Lesedi, Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Tickets: webtickets.co.za or via Joburg Theatre
Media Assets - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aIUmCHO_s8N_a-10TRQ588jU9RyTzR4T?usp=drive_link
For Media Enquiries & Interview Requests contact JT Communication Solutions on media@jtcomms.co.za or +27 83 954 6133 / (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of the National School of the Arts – www.artschool.co.za
About the National School of the Arts
The National School of the Arts is a Gauteng Department of Education School of Specialisation in Performing and Creative Arts, dedicated to nurturing excellence and developing the next generation of artists and cultural innovators. Situated in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, it has been at the forefront of specialised arts education for over five decades. Admission is dependent on a successful audition in one of four specialist subjects: art, dance, drama or music. It is currently auditioning season at the NSA.
Realising Dreams through excellence in Arts and Academics.
www.artschool.co.za | @nsaartschool | facebook.com/ArtschoolSA
Contact for the National School of the Arts - Brenda Sakellarides, Artistic Director - 082 600 6739 | sakellaridesb@artschool.co.za
About K-Movement
Khayalethu Movement (K-Movement) is a South African creative movement company dedicated to using the arts as a catalyst for education, leadership and social impact. Founded by director, choreographer and movement educator Khaya Ndlovu Mpehle, K-Movement is built on the philosophy of creating with intention, moving with purpose, and inspiring meaningful change. Guided by its three core pillars — Move. Mingle. Motivate. — K-Movement develops transformative artistic experiences through dance, theatre, education and community engagement, nurturing the next generation of artists while cultivating communities that inspire and leave a lasting impact.
About the SAMPRA Development Fund
The South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) is a music licensing organisation that collects royalties on behalf of recording artists and record labels and distributes them to rights holders. Through the SAMPRA Development Fund, its Corporate Social Investment arm, SAMPRA supports high-profile, professional-standard productions and cultural festivals.
@ArtSchoolSA #NSA @SouthAfricanMusicPerformanceRightsAssociation #SAMPRA @JoburgTheatre #TheLesedi #OnTheList
Funda Wande partners with award-winning literacy icon to open reading corners in every classroom at Mxhaka Senior Primary School, Ngqamakwe — a direct response to South Africa's reading crisis, in which 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning.
Eastern Cape: 20 July 2026 - In celebration of Mandela Day, literacy organisation Funda Wande will bring one of South Africa's most celebrated storytellers, Dr Gcina Mhlophe, to Mxhaka Senior Primary School in Ngqamakwe, Eastern Cape, on 24 July 2026, to help launch reading corners in every classroom from Grade R to Grade 7 turning 67 minutes of service into a resource that will serve the school for years to come.
The initiative lands against a sobering national backdrop. The 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) found that 81% of South African Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any of the country's 11 official languages, the worst result of the 57 countries assessed. Funda Wande's Mandela Day activation is a direct, hands-on response: giving children in one of the country's under-resourced rural schools daily access to quality, culturally relevant books, and a joyful reason to open them.
The centrepiece of the day will be a live storytelling and story-reading session led by Dr Mhlophe; an author, playwright, poet and activist who holds multiple honorary doctorates, has had her work translated into languages spanning German, French, Japanese and Braille, and whose birthday, 24 October, is officially recognised in South Africa as National Storytelling Day. Through her session, Mxhaka's learners will experience storytelling as both entertainment and invitation: proof that reading can be a source of joy, not just a subject to be tested on.
The event builds on three years of Mandela Day reading-corner initiatives Funda Wande has run in Foundation Phase classrooms. In 2026, the programme expands both geographically reaching a school in one of the Eastern Cape's most under-resourced districts and in scope, covering every grade from R to 7 for the first time. Held six days after Nelson Mandela International Day itself, the Mxhaka event extends the spirit of the 67 minutes into sustained, lasting classroom change.
Partners, educators and volunteers on site will dedicate their own 67 minutes to physically assembling the reading corners and shelving the books alongside Dr Mhlophe and the Funda Wande team.
Madiba taught us that education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world. Every book we place on a shelf at Mxhaka today is part of that fight. We want children here to fall in love with reading — not because they have to, but because a story finally spoke to them." Fundi Sayo (Head of Eastern Cape Programmes) Funda Wande
A story can change how a child sees themselves. When children see their own languages, their own faces and their own villages in a book, reading stops being homework and becomes home. That is what we are building at Mxhaka." Dr Gcina Mhlophe, Storyteller and Literacy Activist
Event Details
What: 67 Minutes for Mandela Day — Reading Corner Launch with Dr Gcina Mhlophe
Where: Mxhaka Senior Primary School, Ngqamakwe, Eastern Cape
When: Friday 24 July 2026 – 08h00 t0 15h00
Media are welcome to attend. Interviews with Dr Gcina Mhlophe and the Funda Wande team can be arranged on request.
Media Contact
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Funda Wande
Email: media@jtcomms.co.za or Taynita@jtcomms.co.za
Tel: +27 71 873 0243/ (011) 788 7632 speak to Taynita Harilal
About Funda Wande
Funda Wande works to ensure that all children in South Africa can read for meaning and calculate with confidence by the age of ten, through high-quality teaching and learning resources for foundational literacy and numeracy. Its Mandela Day reading corner initiative extends this mission by nurturing a culture of reading for pleasure alongside its core literacy work.
Education Africa's flagship festival returns from 24 – 26 July with three days of music, culture, inclusion and international collaboration
JOHANNESBURG – More than 2 300 young musicians from four African countries will converge at St Dominic's Catholic School for Girls in Boksburg from 24 – 26 July 2026 as Education Africa hosts the 2026 International Marimba & Steelpan Festival – the largest festival of its kind in the world.
Bringing together learners, educators, professional musicians and audiences from South Africa, America, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Lesotho, the annual festival has become one of South Africa's most inspiring celebrations of youth, music and cultural exchange.
Over three unforgettable days, dozens of schools and community organisations representing Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape, the Northern Cape, and other parts of the world will participate in performances, competitions, workshops and collaborative learning experiences that showcase the extraordinary power of music to unite communities across borders.
More than simply a music competition, the International Marimba & Steelpan Festival has become a platform for developing young talent, building confidence and celebrating cultural diversity while creating opportunities for thousands of children to perform on an international stage.
Education Africa's flagship event also demonstrates the organisation's long-standing commitment to education, youth development and social cohesion through the arts.
"This festival is about far more than winning," says James Urdang, Founder of Education Africa.
"Every performance represents months of dedication, teamwork and discipline. When young people from different backgrounds, cultures and countries perform together, they demonstrate that music has the power to build understanding, friendships and hope. That is what makes this festival so special."
The festival programme will feature hundreds of performances by school and community marimba ensembles, steelpan bands and special performances across three action-packed days.
Participating schools include leading independent, public and special needs schools from across South Africa, alongside international groups from various countries, reflecting Education Africa's commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity through the performing arts.
The festival also serves as a fundraising platform supporting Education Africa's Marimba Programme, which continues to provide access to music education for young people who may otherwise never have the opportunity to discover their musical talents.
Whether audiences are passionate about African music, education, youth development or cultural exchange, the International Marimba & Steelpan Festival promises an unforgettable celebration of rhythm, creativity and excellence.
Festival at a Glance
Event: Education Africa International Marimba & Steelpan Festival 2026
Dates: 24 – 26 July 2026
Venue: St Dominic's Catholic School for Girls, Boksburg
Participants: Approximately 2 300 young musicians
Countries Represented: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Lesotho
Provinces Represented: Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape
Ticket Information
Tickets are available through TicketPro.
Media Information
High-resolution photographs, video footage and media assets are available for download.
Media interviews can be arranged with Education Africa spokespersons, participating schools and international performers.
For media interviews, accreditation and information contact: JT Communication Solutions on: media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632
Media assets:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gCeU2TZaS2moz3BFgwYSh-3BUgOwSl8L
Ticket bookings:
About Education Africa
Education Africa is a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to improving education, empowering young people and building stronger communities through innovative educational programmes. Through initiatives such as the International Marimba & Steelpan Festival, Education Africa creates opportunities for cultural exchange, artistic excellence and youth development while ensuring that music remains accessible to children from all backgrounds.
Free mass yoga session, health screenings, wellness activations and prizes at Randburg Cricket Club on 20 June 2026 — open to all South Africans, including children. Complimentary parking available.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Thousands of yoga enthusiasts, wellness advocates and residents from across Gauteng are expected to gather at Randburg Cricket Club on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as Johannesburg hosts one of Africa's largest International Day of Yoga celebrations featuring free wellness experiences, health screenings and activations open to the public at no charge.
Led by the Consulate General of India in Johannesburg, the event forms part of a global movement endorsed by the United Nations and observed annually in more than 190 countries worldwide.
Since the United Nations designated 21 June as International Day of Yoga in 2014, the practice has grown from an ancient Indian tradition into a global wellness movement embraced by millions seeking healthier, more balanced lives. Across South Africa, yoga continues to gain ground in schools, universities, businesses, healthcare settings and communities looking for practical tools to manage stress, improve physical health and strengthen mental resilience.
This year's theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’ speaks directly to the value of lifelong wellness. At a time when communities around the world are seeking sustainable approaches to health across all stages of life, yoga offers an accessible and proven pathway to physical vitality, mental well-being and community connection.
Over the past decade, Johannesburg's International Day of Yoga celebration has grown into one of the continent's most significant public wellness gatherings, drawing South Africans from all cultures, faiths, ages and backgrounds in a shared commitment to health, mindfulness and social cohesion.
"Yoga belongs to humanity. It transcends borders, cultures and languages, and reminds us that individual well-being and collective well-being are deeply connected. We invite all South Africans to join us in this celebration."
— HE Senkuttvan Korenthan, Consul General of India, Johannesburg
The 2026 celebration at the iconic Randburg Cricket Club will feature a mass yoga session led by experienced instructors, guided breathing and mindfulness exercises, wellness activations, cultural showcases and the opportunity for participants to experience first-hand the transformative benefits of yoga practice.
The 2026 celebration also marks a milestone under the leadership of Acting Consul General Harish Kumar, who has reaffirmed the Consulate's commitment to strengthening wellness, cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement between India and South Africa.
What Participants Can Expect
Registered attendees will enjoy a range of complimentary experiences, activations and giveaways throughout the day, including:
The event is free and open to the public. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are welcome.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, 20 June 2026
Venue: Randburg Cricket Club, Johannesburg
Time: 09:30 onwards
Cost: Free of charge
Mandatory Registration Register Here
Registration is mandatory. Participants are encouraged to register in advance to secure their complimentary T-shirt (first come, first served, subject to availability). Yoga mats will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last — participants are advised to bring their own mat. Comfortable clothing is recommended and early arrival is advised to enjoy the full programme. Children are warmly welcome. Complimentary parking is available on site.
Programme Highlights
Follow the event: #IDY2026 #IDY2026JHB #InternationalDayOfYoga
For media enquiries, Interview requests, access to spokespersons and high res photos contact media@jtcomms.co.za or 083 954 6133 or 011 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Consulate General of India in Johannesburg
NOTES TO EDITORS
The International Day of Yoga was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 11 December 2014, following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The first International Day of Yoga was observed on 21 June 2015. The day is now celebrated in more than 190 countries, making it one of the most widely observed United Nations international days.
The Consulate General of India in Johannesburg represents the Government of India in the Gauteng and Limpopo provinces of South Africa and has been a consistent champion of people-to-people ties between India and South Africa.
Makhanda, South Africa – June 2026 - Marcus Mabusela proudly presents Down 2nd Avenue, a compelling one-man theatrical adaptation of the celebrated memoir by literary giant, educator and anti-apartheid intellectual Eskia Mphahlele. The production will be presented at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda from 28 June to 30 June 2026.
Adapted and directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Mosehlana Mamaregane and performed by Marcus Mabusela, Down 2nd Avenue reimagines Mphahlele’s autobiographical masterpiece through an intimate, emotionally charged theatrical experience that explores identity, memory, dignity and resistance.
Drawing from one of South Africa’s most important literary works, the production follows Mphahlele’s journey from his childhood in the rural village of Maupaneng to the bustling streets of Marabastad and Second Avenue in Pretoria. Through a vivid blend of storytelling, humour, poetry, music and physical theatre, audiences are invited into the world that shaped one of South Africa’s most influential literary voices.
At the centre of the production is “The Prophet”, a singular performer who embodies not only Mphahlele himself but also the collective memory of a people navigating dispossession, segregation and survival. Through this powerful theatrical device, the production becomes both a personal memoir and a national reflection.
Set across multiple timelines, the adaptation allows Mphahlele’s experiences to resonate with contemporary South Africa, creating a dialogue between past and present. The work interrogates questions of belonging, education, freedom, memory and identity while celebrating the resilience and humanity that define the South African experience.
The production features an original musical score by Maxwell Baloyi, drawing inspiration from Dinaka traditions and indigenous soundscapes, while movement direction by Baleni “Ginger” Ernest brings a dynamic physical language to the stage. Through choreography, physical theatre and embodied storytelling, Ernest helps transform Mphahlele’s words into a visceral theatrical experience, deepening the emotional resonance of the narrative and creating a rich performance vocabulary that bridges memory, movement and meaning.
More than sixty years after the publication of Down Second Avenue, Mphahlele’s words remain profoundly relevant. His reflections on dignity, displacement, education, family, injustice and hope continue to echo across generations. This adaptation honours his legacy while introducing his work to new audiences through a contemporary theatrical lens.
Speaking on the production, director Mosehlana Mamaregane said: “Eskia Mphahlele’s work remains one of the most important literary records of Black South African life. Through this adaptation, we hope to honour his legacy while creating a conversation between his experiences and the realities of contemporary South Africa. This is a story about memory, identity and what it means to be truly seen.”
Producer and performer Marcus Mabusela added: “Down 2nd Avenue is more than a historical narrative; it is a living testimony to the resilience of our people. We are excited to bring this remarkable story to the National Arts Festival and to celebrate the enduring contribution of Eskia Mphahlele to South African literature, culture and thought.”
Through literature, music, movement and performance, Down 2nd Avenue offers audiences a moving portrait of one man’s journey while reflecting the collective story of a nation in search of dignity, freedom and belonging.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Presented by: Marcus Mabusela
Adapted & Directed by: Mosehlana Mamaregane
Performed by: Marcus Mabusela
Musical Composition: Maxwell Baloyi
Movement Direction & Choreography: Baleni “Ginger” Ernest
Based on the memoir Down Second Avenue by Eskia Mphahlele
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Production: Down 2nd Avenue
Venue: National Arts Festival, Makhanda
Dates: 28 June – 30 June 2026
Running Time: Approximately 55 Minutes
Genre: Drama / Physical Theatre / Literary Adaptation
For Media Enquiries and Interview requests contact JT Communication Solutions – media@jtcomms.co.za or +2711 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Marcus Mabusela
ENDS
DSAC Publishing Hub opens fourth cycle to continue funding books across all South African Official languages, Braille and audiobook formats — with grant funding available for authors, publishers and selection panel members.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), together with the Academic and Non-Fiction Authors’ Association of South Africa (ANFASA), has officially opened applications for the fourth cycle of the DSAC Publishing Hub — a programme that has already funded 91 books across indigenous languages, Braille, and audiobook formats since its launch in 2023. For writers, publishers, and editorial professionals sitting on the fence: grant funding is available across all three application streams, with deadlines arriving in June.
Four Cycles, Measurable Impact
The numbers from the first three cycles tell a clear story of growth. Twenty-four publishing companies have moved manuscripts through the programme. Seventy-nine editors, assessors, and language specialists across South Africa’s official languages have been supported to evaluate and develop new works. Entries have grown year on year — and the fourth cycle is the most ambitious yet, targeting new literary works.
Among the 91 published works to date: twelve exist in Braille and fifteen as audiobooks — extending South African storytelling to readers who are visually impaired and opening up audiences the publishing sector has historically struggled to reach. Perhaps most significantly, five titles have been published in Khoi and San languages — Khwedam, !Xuhnthali, and Nama — languages with almost no other formal publishing infrastructure in the country.
The gap the programme addresses is well-documented. Despite 11 official languages, the overwhelming majority of commercially published South African titles remain in English or Afrikaans. The DSAC Publishing Hub is a direct, funded response to that imbalance — and the results are on the shelf.
Three Ways to Apply — All Grant-Funded
The fourth cycle is open across three distinct streams, each carrying direct financial support:
FOR AUTHORS
FOR PUBLISHERS
FOR SELECTION PANEL MEMBERS
Eligible manuscript genres include novels, poetry anthologies, short story collections, drama, narrative non-fiction, biography, history, politics, sport, health, and children’s or young adult literature. Religious texts, self-help, novelettes, and film or television scripts are excluded.
Manuscripts must be original, unpublished, and not translated. One submission per applicant per financial year. Previous author beneficiaries are ineligible for three years.
In Their Words
“What excites us most is the momentum — every cycle we see more applications, more genres, more languages represented. Ninety-one published works is a remarkable foundation, but it is the writers still to come that the fourth cycle is really about. South African stories deserve shelf space in South African bookshops. If you have been sitting on a manuscript, this is your funded opportunity to change that.”
Professor Sihawukele Ngubane, ANFASA Chairperson
Applications Close in June — Don’t Miss the Window
With the fourth cycle already generating strong early interest, DSAC and ANFASA are urging eligible applicants not to wait. Publisher and selection panel applications close 12 June 2026. Manuscript submissions close 26 June 2026. Selections will be announced in August 2026, with publication scheduled between October 2026 and March 2027.
Apply now: ANFASA -https://www.anfasa.org.za/dasc-publishing-hub/ or
DSAC - https://share.google/yIEiUy9ss0Xr4f7xF
For Media enquiries and Interview requests or high res images contact JT Communication Solutions onmedia@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632 - 083 954 6133
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of ANFASA - https://www.anfasa.org.za
About ANFASA
ANFASA advocates for authors’ rights and strengthens South Africa’s publishing ecosystem through advocacy, mentorship, and industry development programmes.
Education experts to unpack how teachers can better support literacy and maths learning across South Africa’s diverse language environments
Johannesburg - 29 May 2026 - As South Africa continues to grapple with low literacy and numeracy outcomes in the early grades, education researchers and practitioners are turning increasing attention to one critical question: how can teachers be better equipped to teach effectively in multilingual classrooms?
This question will form the focus of a national Teacher Professional Development (TPD) dissemination event hosted by Funda Wande in collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) on Friday, 29 May 2026 at the Venue in Johannesburg. The event will bring together researchers, education stakeholders, teachers, academic institutions, government representatives, early grade mathematics and literacy specialists to share findings from recent project work exploring multilingual teaching practices in both literacy and mathematics classrooms.
The collaboration forms part of a broader effort to strengthen Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education (MTBBE) and improve learning outcomes in South African schools, particularly during the Foundation and Intermediate Phases. Recent project work undertaken through the Funda Wande-Wits collaboration has generated important insights into how teacher development programmes can support teachers working across multiple languages in the classroom, especially in literacy and mathematics learning.
The work includes interventions in Foundation Phase classrooms (Grades 1-3) within Funda Wande partner schools, as well as research conducted in Intermediate Phase mathematics classrooms (Grades 4-5) in KwaZulu-Natal. Central to the project is a key question: “In what ways can teachers be developed to harness the epistemic potential of multiple languages in South African classrooms?”
Researchers say the answer lies not only in curriculum reform, but in developing practical, context-responsive teacher support systems that reflect the linguistic realities of South African schools.
Several innovations emerging from the project will be shared at the event, including:
The findings suggest that teacher development in multilingual environments requires more than generic training models. Instead, teachers need sustained support that helps them navigate the complex relationship between language, understanding, participation and learning.
Funda Wande’s Maths lead Ingrid Sapire and Professor Anthony Essien, who was a SARChI Chair in Numeracy, will host the event that is intended not only to share findings, but also to open broader conversations about how South Africa can strengthen classroom practice in linguistically diverse learning environments. The dissemination event forms part of Funda Wande’s broader mission to ensure that by 2030, all children in South Africa can read for meaning and calculate with confidence by the age of 10.
Event Details
Date: Friday, 29 May 2026
Time: 09h00 – 15h00
Venue: The Venue at the Houghton Hotel, Johannesburg
Media Invited
For interview requests, attendance confirmation or additional info contact JT Communication Solutions on media@jtcomms.co.za or +27 11 788 7632
About Funda Wande
Funda Wande is a South African non-profit organisation working to improve early literacy and numeracy outcomes in Foundation Phase classrooms. Through bilingual learning materials, teacher support and evidence-based interventions, the organisation supports teachers and learners across multiple provinces in South Africa.
Background and Rationale
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED), in partnership with Funda Wande, has launched Bala Wande, a numeracy intervention aimed at strengthening Mathematics teaching and learning in the Foundation Phase.
Building on the success of early-grade reading programmes, this initiative represents a deliberate step towards improving learning outcomes across both literacy and numeracy. The pilot phase has already reached 225 Grade 1 teachers across 70 schools, with a phased provincial rollout planned to reach approximately 10,000 teachers over the next three years across three languages. The Bala Wande programme supports teachers through a combination of structured training and high-quality resources, including teacher guides, learner books and Maths resource kits. These tools are designed to strengthen classroom practice and support learners in developing a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
The Bala Wande Roadshows form part of this broader implementation strategy, creating a platform to engage principals and Head of Departments (HODs), strengthen understanding of the programme and build a shared vision for quality numeracy instruction in the Foundation Phase. Beyond information-sharing, the roadshows aim to reinforce alignment between schools’ leadership, ensuring a more coherent and supported approach to numeracy teaching across the province.
Purpose and Objectives of the Roadshows
The Bala Wande Roadshows aim to strengthen the principals and district officials’ understanding of the numeracy intervention and its practical application in the classroom, while also showcasing the partnership between WCED and Funda Wande. The sessions provide clarity on programme rollout, expectations and available support, while creating space for principals and Department Heads (DHs’) engagement, reflection and shared learning. At a broader level, the roadshows seek to reinforce the importance of building strong foundations in Mathematics in the early grades.
More specifically, the roadshows aim to:
Target Audience
The roadshows are designed to engage a range of key stakeholders within the education system, including:
Expected Outcomes
Through these engagements, the Bala Wande Roadshows aim to achieve:
Conclusion
The Bala Wande Roadshows represent an important step in supporting the rollout of the numeracy intervention, not only by introducing the programme but by building a shared understanding of what quality Mathematics teaching looks like in the Foundation Phase. By bringing together principals, school leaders and system officials, the roadshows aim to lay the foundation for consistent, supported and sustainable improvements in numeracy teaching and learning across the province.
For more context on the Bala Wande pilot, please visit: WCED Bala Wande Pilot
For media enquiries or interview requests please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or +27 83 954 6133 or speak to Taynita on +27 71 873 0243
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Funda Wande - www.fundawande.org
About Funda Wande
Funda Wande is a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to improving early reading and mathematics outcomes in Foundation Phase classrooms. Working across the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and the Western Cape, Funda Wande develops bilingual, mother-tongue-aligned learning and teaching support materials — including the Bala Wande literacy programme — and provides structured teacher support. Its work is rooted in the conviction that every child deserves the opportunity to learn in the language they understand best, and to grow into their full potential as a result.
On the fourth anniversary of the passing of Rikhado “Riky Rick” Makhado, the Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism, in partnership with the Rustlers Valley Foundation NPC and the Naledi Village Communal Property Association (CPA), announces the establishment of the Riky Rick & Anton Chaka Memorial Forest at Rustlers Valley Farm in the Eastern Free State.
Honouring the Living Legacy of Anton Chaka
Nestled in the Maluti Mountains, Rustlers Valley is a place of reflection, community and renewal. It carries deep historical significance for Naledi Village, whose community endured forced removals and decades of land insecurity.
Under the leadership of Ntate Anton Chaka, Chairman of the Naledi Village Committee, the community fought tirelessly for dignity and ownership. After years of bureaucratic delays, he personally collected the long-awaited title deed confirming communal ownership of their land — a moment symbolising the restoration of humanity and justice. Only months later, Ntate Anton passed away.
“This forest is not just about trees,” said Charles Tsenase, Chairperson of the Naledi Village CPA. “It is about restoring dignity to a community that fought for its dignity and never gave up. Ntate Anton believed that when people own their land, they own their future. This Memorial Forest honours that belief — and ensures that our children inherit not only soil, but pride.”
The Memorial Forest honours Ntate Anton’s life of service and the vision of land, dignity and youth empowerment embodied in the spirit of Mayibuye iAfrika.
“My father carried the spirit of Mayibuye iAfrika in everything he did,” said Mookho, Anton Chaka’s daughter. “He believed leadership was about service, patience and protecting the next generation. Seeing this forest grow in his name means his work continues — in every young person who walks these paths and learns that dignity begins with caring for the land and for one another.”
Resonating with the community, Prof. Kosheek Sewchurran, director of The Rustlers Valley Foundation NPC, said: "In a time of climate anxiety and fractured communities, planting a forest is an act of courage. It affirms that the future is worth investing in — and that our children deserve more than our regrets. At Rustlers Valley, this forest is our alignment of land, leadership, and legacy — honouring those who stood for dignity, clarifying what deserves our devotion, and standing in commitment to the generations still becoming.”
Honouring Riky Rick
Riky Rick, born 20 July 1987 in KwaMashu, Durban, was more than an award-winning artist. From his early performance of "Tell Me Why" — a song questioning deforestation, war, inequality, and corporate domination — he demonstrated a rare awareness of the connection between environmental and social justice.
Throughout his career — from Family Values to CottonFest — he championed authenticity, youth empowerment and mental health. His openness about depression ignited national conversations about men’s mental well-being in South Africa.
“For his family, the Memorial Forest is a continuation of his purpose.
Riky believed deeply in healing — even when he was struggling himself,” said Riky’s brother Sheikani Makhado: “Riky always wanted young people to feel seen, heard and valued. The dream of this forest represents the kind of space he would have loved — a place where creativity, reflection and nature come together. It’s a reminder that growth is possible, even after loss.”
“This forest is a living expression of Riky’s heart,” said Louisa Zondo, Riky’s mother and co-founder of the Foundation. “He asked difficult questions about injustice, about inequality, about the future of humanity, especially young people. Planting trees in his name is about remembering him in action - continuing the work of healing, empowering and restoring the good we may have lost or be losing. We see it as planting dignity, hope and courage for the next generation.”
Vision
The Memorial Forest will be a thriving ecosystem of indigenous and fruit trees — a space for:
Reflection and noble silence
Youth empowerment and learning
Cultural storytelling and artivism
Ecological regeneration
It is not simply about planting trees. It is about planting dignity.
Four Foundations
The Forest symbolises four shared commitments:
A Just and Regenerative Future
Mental and Emotional Depth
Youth Empowerment
Celebration of African Identity and Culture
Key Features
20km of curated forest walks
“Riky Rick Noble Silence” healing trail (4.6km)
Ntate Anton’s Walk of Liberation (10km)
Meditation hut and stone reflection spaces
Indigenous tree avenues leading to the dam
Community fruit orchards
Visitors will be able to plant trees, receive digital updates on growth, and contribute directly to the sustainability of Naledi Village.
Sustainability and Community Ownership
The project will be managed through a consortium partnership with Naledi Village CPA and Rustlers Valley Foundation NPC stakeholders, ensuring community ownership, local employment, and reinvestment of visitor contributions into education and forest maintenance.
A Call to Action
The Memorial Forest invites artists, youth, hip-hop culture, environmental advocates, practitioners in different fields and communities to participate - because broken people cannot build a just nation. Yet, a planted forest can help heal one.
The Riky Rick/Anton Chaka Memorial Forest will be officially launched from Friday, 17 to Monday, 20 July at Rustlers Valley Regenerative farm in Ficksburg, Free State. In the build-up to this launch, there will be tree planting events on Rustlers Valley over the following extended weekend dates: (i) Friday, 13 March to Monday, 16 March; (ii) Friday, 10 April to Monday, 13 April; and (iii) Friday, 12 June to Monday, 15 June.
Partnership and Participation Details
If you would like to participate, donate, help promote the idea, or do so, please use the contact details below.
Kumi Naidoo - Co-Founder and Director of the Riky Rick Foundation kumi@rikyrickfoundation.org
Jenny McDonogh - Co-Founder and Director of the Rustlers Valley Foundation NPC jenny@rustlersvalley.co.za or 082 9099 265
For updates, please access the platforms listed below:
Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism:
Instagram: @rikyrickfoundation
Website - www. Rikyrickfoundation.org
Rustlers Valley Foundation NPC:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rustlersvalley
Funda Wande's Siwaphiwe Sibeko presents alongside her career role model, DBE's Dr. Naledi Mbude-Mehana, in a powerful demonstration of what works in early literacy — and proof that mother tongue languages are not only a national priority, but an international one.
23 February 2026 — Funda Wande, a South African non-profit at the forefront of mother-tongue-based early learning, is represented this week in Accra, Ghana, at the African Languages and Literacies Conference (AFLC) — doing something rare: demonstrating the solution, not just debating the problem.
Programmes Officer Siwaphiwe Sibeko is presenting a session titled Language, the Elephant in African Classrooms, Addressed by MTBBE. In a powerful act of linguistic advocacy, she is delivering it entirely in isiXhosa — in a country where isiXhosa is not spoken.
But what makes this moment extraordinary is who is sharing the stage with her.
Sibeko is presenting alongside her career role model, Dr. Naledi Mbude-Mehana, Deputy Director-General at the Department of Basic Education and a pioneer of South Africa's Mother Tongue Based Bilingual Education (MTBBE) programme. Introduced in 2024 and rolled out from 2025, MTBBE represents one of the most significant education policy shifts in a generation: ensuring that from Grade 4, children learn in their mother tongue while developing English alongside it — a bilingual model that builds both languages without leaving either behind.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE CLASSROOM
Sibeko's presentation explores how language policy quietly shapes who succeeds and who is marginalised in African classrooms. It draws directly on the work Funda Wande has been doing since 2017 — producing bilingual, mother-tongue-aligned materials through its Bala Wande literacy programme in isiXhosa, Sepedi, Afrikaans, and English, across the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and the Western Cape.
"Language is often the invisible barrier to learning," Sibeko explains. "We are proud to see it being placed at the centre of the conversation."
For Sibeko, who grew up in Namakwê, this work is personal as much as it is professional. She understands from lived experience what it means to learn in a language that is not your own.
"Language can either limit you or give you access. When a child learns in a language that is not their own, they are not just learning maths — they are learning the language at the same time. That is two burdens on one small person. MTBBE removes that burden." — Siwaphiwe Sibeko, Programmes Officer, Funda Wande
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
South Africa's MTBBE rollout is underway — and Funda Wande's Foundation Phase work has been laying the groundwork for exactly this moment. Its bilingual Bala Wande materials support children learning in their home language from Grade R through Grade 3. MTBBE picks up precisely where that work leaves off, extending mother-tongue instruction into Grade 4 and beyond, creating for the first time a coherent language pathway through the primary years.
The model exists. The materials exist. The results exist. Organisations like Funda Wande have been inside classrooms for years, equipping teachers with the tools and support to make mother-tongue instruction work at scale.
"The elephant in the African classroom is that language is complicated. It requires planning and evaluation to ensure we give quality learning and teaching material so that programmes can be implemented with fidelity. But we are past the point of not talking about it. The research is clear. The results are clear. What we need now is the will to act." — Siwaphiwe Sibeko, Programmes Officer, Funda Wande
Funda Wande is ready to continue doing its part — and calls on government, funders, and education partners to resource and sustain what is already working in classrooms today.
MOTHER TONGUE LANGUAGES ARE ALSO INTERNATIONAL
That Sibeko presents in isiXhosa on a stage in Ghana — where isiXhosa is not spoken — is itself a statement. It affirms what Funda Wande has always maintained: that African languages are not parochial tools of local convenience. They are rich, capable vehicles of knowledge, scholarship, and international dialogue. They belong on every stage.
The AFLC brings together researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners from across Africa to advance the role of African languages in learning. Funda Wande's presence in Accra signals that South Africa's practitioners are ready to contribute to that conversation — not only as implementers of policy, but as voices helping to shape what mother tongue education looks like across the continent.
ACCESS WILL NOW BE FREEDOM
"What gives me hope is that we are now having these conversations. That we now have policies like MTBBE. Access will now be freedom. An African child who learns in their language can show up fully — at school, at the hospital, in the courtroom, in the boardroom. That is what this work is about." — Siwaphiwe Sibeko, Programmes Officer, Funda Wande
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
For Media enquiries or to schedule an appointment/interview please contact Media@jtcomms.co.za (+27 83 268 1446) or +27 83 954 6133 or speak to Taynita on +27 71 873 0243
ABOUT FUNDA WANDE
Funda Wande is a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to improving early reading and mathematics outcomes in Foundation Phase classrooms. Working across the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and the Western Cape, Funda Wande develops bilingual, mother-tongue-aligned learning and teaching support materials — including the Bala Wande literacy programme — and provides structured teacher support. Its work is rooted in the conviction that every child deserves the opportunity to learn in the language they understand best, and to grow into their full potential as a result.
www.fundawande.org to speak to a resource at Funda Wande for more details contact Ambeswa Mgandela –(Communications and Advocacy / Officer)
— ENDS —
Johannesburg — The National School of the Arts (NSA), South Africa’s leading School of Specialisation in Performing and Creative Arts, proudly announces its Open Day for prospective learners on Saturday, 28 February 2026 from 08:30 until 13:30.
The annual Open Day offers prospective learners exposure to the school’s dynamic environment with an authentic behind-the-scenes experience of the NSA’s specialist pre-professional vocational training programme. Visitors will be offered guided tours, observe rehearsals for the exciting first term productions, experience mock auditions, and have the opportunity to engage directly with educators and current learners from across the school’s four specialist disciplines: Dance, Drama, Music, and Art (visual art and 2D & 3D Design).
As a publicly funded Gauteng Department of Education School of Specialisation (SOS), NSA provides focused arts training within a rigorous academic timetable following the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for the National Senior Certificate (NSC). This dual focus ensures learners develop both artistic excellence and strong academic outcomes that prepare them for tertiary education and creative sector careers.
The 2026 first term artistic programme opens under the theme “Origi-Nation” honouring South Africa as a country of creative originators. "We are grateful to the National Arts Council of South Africa, through the National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and the Presidential Economic Stimulus programme, for seeing value in our funding proposal. It is because of their support that we are able to produce the quality work synonymous with our name," commented Artistic Director of the NSA, Brenda Sakellarides. "We are proud to celebrate South Africa as a country of innovators and artistic voices – well represented in the microcosm that is the National School of the Arts."
This theme – inherent in the ethos of the NSA – will be reflected across NSA's first-term public performances, which prospective families will preview during Open Day.
“ If you want a snapshot of young creative South Africa then make your way to the NSA on Saturday 28th February 2026,” concluded Sakellarides.
The NSA Drama Department presents “Kinétre – The Origi-Nation”, a physical theatre and choreographic showcase featuring the grade 12 drama class in a commissioned work from theatre maker and choreographer Lucky Moeketsi. The programme also features physical theatre work from selected Grade 12s following an intense selection process. This exciting production has a sub-theme of physical protest theatre – “the body as a revolt”. Guided by Senior Drama educator Thoriso Raphela, who will also add his signature creativity to the line-up of work, the matric choreographers will reveal the depth of their stirring original thought realised in expressive dance, movement and physical theatre. The season runs in the NSA Theatre from the 11–14 March with bookings through shop@artschool.co.za or at the NSA’s Marketing & Development House.
The Dance Department will stage its flagship production, “Dance Spectrum – The Origi-Nation”, featuring commissioned works by leading dance professionals Oscar Buthelezi, Tshepo Zasekhaya, and David Gouldie alongside faculty educators and choreographers including Head of Department Heather Dreyer (Neo-Classical Ballet), Laura Cameron (Contemporary) and Gillian Bonegio (Spanish). “Dance Spectrum – The Origi-Nation” runs in the Lesedi at Joburg Theatre from the 19–21 March with bookings through Web tickets.
In an exciting interdisciplinary collaboration, the neo-classical dance work will be performed with a specially commissioned composition performed live by selected musicians and vocalists from the NSA Music Department. This collaborative work will also be presented at the Schools of Specialisation Performing and Creative Arts Festival at the Roodepoort Theatre on the 18th March.
For over five decades, NSA has nurtured generations of South Africa’s creative leaders — a space where talent is developed, individuality is celebrated, and artistic futures are shaped. The school continues to achieve outstanding academic and artistic results, upholding its promise of realising dreams through excellence in arts and academics.
Open Day Details
Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026
Venue: National School of the Arts, 17 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Website: www.artschool.co.za
Tel: 011 339 6539 | Cell: 063 091 6051
Email: admissions@artschool.co.za
Prospective learners currently in Grades 6 and 7 to Grade 10 who wish to pursue specialised arts training are encouraged to attend with their parents or guardians.
“Open Day is an opportunity to experience the creative energy of NSA first-hand,” says Principal Salome Gaelesiwe. “We invite young artists to discover a space where passion meets discipline and creativity meets opportunity.”
Spaces for admission are limited. Families seeking a focused arts education within a supportive academic environment are encouraged to attend and learn more about the audition process.
To learn more, visit www.artschool.co.za or contact admissions@artschool.co.za.
The National School of the Arts acknowledges the support of Joburg Theatre, the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, as well as the National Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, the Presidential Employment Stimulus Program (PESP 6 ) and the National Arts Council for giving wings to our “Origi-Nation”.
The future of the arts begins here.
For Media Enquiries: media@jtcomms.co.za | 011 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of the National School of the Arts
Msaki, Hotstix Mabuse & Brenda Mntambo Bring Iconic Songs to Life Alongside Real Stories of Love That Endured
JOHANNESBURG – This Valentine's Day, love gets the tribute it truly deserves. The Legacy of African Love Songs goes beyond romance to celebrate love in its fullest form – the joy of new love, the ache of separation, the resilience of those who waited, and the healing that comes full circle. On 14 February at the OR Tambo Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Msaki, Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, and Brenda Mntambo will perform Africa's most iconic love songs alongside heartwarming stories from real people who have lived through every season of love.
The concert weaves together legendary songs like Lakutshon'ilanga, Malaika, Lizzy, and Mmalo We with audio-visual stories from South Africans who have experienced love's full journey. From the woman who watched the sun set during apartheid, waiting to see if her husband's hat would appear among the workers returning home – and when it didn't, searching from neighbors to hospitals to mortuaries – to stories of love that endured against all odds. These are narratives of love that remained whole even through separation, loss, and uncertainty.
"These songs have always carried more than romance – they hold our collective memory of love through every trial," says Sibusiso Victor Masondo, renowned Musical Director, composer, arranger, bassist, producer, and curator of the production. "In a country that needs so much healing, we're creating space to honor love in its full circle. The happiness, the heartbreak, the searching, the reunion – love endures through all seasons. That's what these classics have always been about, and that's what this evening will celebrate."
Through powerful audio-visual presentations, audience members will witness real love stories from people with lived experiences – stories that mirror the themes woven into Africa's greatest love songs. Some stories are heartwarming, others carry sadness, but all testify to love's endurance through tribulation and trial.
Msaki, whose ethereal voice has captivated audiences globally, brings her signature emotional depth to songs that have defined love across generations. Joining her is living legend Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, a multi-instrumentalist and musical genius whose decades-spanning career makes him one of the few artists who witnessed these classics being born. Gospel and Afro-soul powerhouse Brenda Mntambo completes the lineup, adding spiritual resonance to an evening of profound meaning.
Under Masondo's musical direction, the production features live Afro-jazz instrumentation, rich vocal harmonies, and intimate acoustic arrangements. Creative Blackground's stage design transforms the venue with warm lighting, African-inspired visuals, and an atmosphere that honors both heritage and the complexity of human connection.
For couples and individuals seeking something deeper this Valentine's Day, this concert offers more than entertainment – it's a collective act of remembering, honoring, and healing through the music that has carried South Africa through generations. It celebrates not just romantic love, but the fullness of love in all its forms: enduring, searching, hoping, and ultimately, complete.
The concert is part of the Legacy Tribute series, dedicated to preserving and celebrating African heritage through world-class productions that honor cultural icons while creating space for contemporary healing and connection.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: The Legacy of African Love Songs
Date: 14 February 2026
Venue: OR Tambo Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre
Headliners: Msaki, Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, Brenda Mntambo
Musical Director & Curator: Sibusiso Victor Masondo
Presented by: Legacy Tribute
Created by: Isondo Music
Designed by: Creative Blackground
TICKETS & BOOKING
Three ticket categories are available,
General Access: R950 per person
VIP: R1,200 per person
VVIP: R1,500 per person
Booking: WebTicket
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS FOR TICKET HOLDERS:
• 10% discount on accommodation at Radisson OR Tambo
• 10% discount at Mangwanani Spa
For media accreditation, interviews, or high-resolution images -media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632 or 083 954 6133
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Isondo Music
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Msaki: Acclaimed for her poignant songwriting and ethereal voice, Msaki is a versatile artist whose work seamlessly blends folk, electronic, and traditional influences. Her ability to convey deep emotion makes her the perfect interpreter of love in all its seasons.
Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse: A living legend and musical genius of South African music, Mabuse's career spans decades and includes iconic hits that defined generations. His mastery of multiple instruments and dynamic stage presence bring authenticity and power to every performance.
Brenda Mntambo: With a voice that resonates with deep spiritual and emotional power, Brenda Mntambo has earned her status as one of South Africa's leading vocalists in gospel and Afro-soul. Her interpretation of classic love songs brings both heart and upliftment to the full circle of love.
Sibusiso Victor Masondo (Musical Director & Curator): Renowned composer, arranger, bassist, and producer, Victor Masondo is a musical genius whose work has shaped South African music for decades. His vision for this production honors the integrity of African love songs while creating space for healing and collective memory.
ABOUT LEGACY TRIBUTE
Legacy Tribute is a live performance series dedicated to celebrating African and South African heritage through carefully curated tribute productions. Each show honours cultural icons and timeless stories, ensuring Africa's artistic legacy is preserved and presented with dignity and excellence.
ABOUT ISONDO MUSIC
Isondo Music is a creative production house committed to authentic African storytelling through music, live performance, and recording projects. With a strong focus on heritage, quality, and artistic integrity, Isondo Music develops productions that resonate across generations.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 14 January 2026 – After 25 years of writing songs in private, investment banker Sam Mokorosi is finally ready to be heard. He announces his entrance into the music scene with a conceptual five-single series launching with “Tell Your Mama We Made It”—a triumphant anthem born as a gift for his 20th wedding anniversary. The project marks a rare crossover where lived experience, faith, and long-form storytelling meet contemporary African sound.
"I'm on a journey to present my full self in all my circles, whether church or high finance boardrooms," Mokorosi explains. "Some of these songs have been bubbling inside for more than 25 years. The impetus was my 20th wedding anniversary—I wrote this song as a gift to my wife, and I really wanted to release it. I thought, why not release more?"
Sam Mokorosi is no ordinary debutant. By day, he navigates the complex worlds of strategy, risk, and investment. By night, he steps into songwriting and vocals, driven by a desire to present his full self to the world. A product of Lesotho and South Africa’s Eastern Cape — where he later witnessed firsthand the decay of public infrastructure that would inspire “Profit & Politics” — Sam fell in love with his wife at the age of 16, laying a foundation of endurance that would shape both his personal and artistic journey. His debut is a testament to resilience, both personal and collective. Mokorosi’s background in finance brings an unusual discipline and intentionality to the project, positioning music as legacy rather than impulse.
"We're high school sweethearts, and there were dark days when it felt easy to give up," Mokorosi reveals. "But we kept working at love… this song is a celebration that the bright days far outweigh the dark ones. But it's also an anthem for the resilience of the human spirit as we step into a new year." Tell Your Mama We Made It” blends celebration and reflection, capturing the quiet victories behind long journeys.
Rather than a traditional album, Mokorosi is releasing a curated series of five singles throughout the first half of 2026, creating a deliberate narrative arc. The five-single series unfolds as a personal and thematic journey, with each release revealing a different chapter of purpose, perseverance, and gratitude.
"I view this series as a camera lens zooming out," he explains. "It starts intimately close and ends with a panoramic view of where we come from."
The journey begins with the celebratory arrival of 'Tell Your Mama We Made It' (January 2026), peels back to the vulnerable longing of 'How Much I Miss You,' and evolves into the spiritual release of 'Sunflower Girl' in time for Valentines Day. The focus then shifts sharply outward with the social rallying cry of 'Profit & Politics,' inspired by a heartbreaking visit to a derelict train station in the small town of Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, where Mokorosi witnessed the tangible impact of greed and corruption on public infrastructure.
The series culminates with 'Motherwell,' a powerful homage to the 1976 student uprisings in the South West Townships. Strategically due for release around Youth Day, the track speaks to a nation healing from historical scars while looking toward restoration.
"This collection bridges the gap between the man who loves his wife and the man who loves his country," says Mokorosi. "It is my 'Full Self.'"
Musically, the project blends "fun, light, easy listening" Pop and R&B/Soul with thoughtfully crafted lyrics designed to linger in listeners' minds long after the music fades. Mokorosi cites influences ranging from 90s R&B party hits to modern heavyweights like H.E.R., Masego, and Manana—a blend of nostalgic warmth and contemporary soul.
Yet, his professional background shapes his collaborative approach. "My day job helped me realise the right team makes the dream work," he states, crediting producers, musicians, and marketing teams for elevating the project. Kekente, his brother, a producer/DJ, is already working on remixes of the debut tracks, extending the project's sonic reach.
The release is supported by a sophisticated, multi-phase digital strategy, including EPK clips, lyric videos, and a focus on community building via WhatsApp and tiered influencer outreach.
Following the single series, Mokorosi is already writing new material and preparing remixes of the debut tracks with his producer/DJ brother. His advice to other professionals with hidden creative dreams is unequivocal: "Don't let the dream die. Too long I put my own music in the bottom drawer, thanks to the pressures of work, family, community commitments. The quicker you let the magic out the box, the better for your own soul and the world that's waiting for your unique contribution."
"Tell Your Mama We Made It" is available now on all major streaming platforms.
For interviews, high-res images, or the full EPK, please contact: media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632 / 083 954 6133
Sam Mokorosi is an artist bridging the gap between high finance and the soulful world of R&B. By day, he navigates the complex landscape of investment banking, strategy, and risk. By night, he is a songwriter and vocalist merging his professional discipline with a musical passion that has been bubbling inside him for over 25 years. His 2026 Single Series takes listeners on a journey from personal vulnerability to sharp social observation, exploring themes of love, resilience, and national healing through a blend of Pop and R&B/Soul.
Media assets -High Res pics
Follow Sam Mokorosi:
Instagram: @sam_in_a_hat
Twitter: @sammokorosi
Website: https://linktr.ee/sammokorosi
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA –3 December 2025 - As the world marks the 16 Days of Activism, a self-funded, women-led South African delegation has arrived in Addis Ababa to present a groundbreaking blueprint reframing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as an urgent economic and policy priority.
Tomorrow, 4 December 2025, at the African Union Commission Headquarters, the delegation will headline a high-level panel at the African Women in Media (AWiM25) Conference titled:
“From Victim to Victor: Transforming GBV Narratives into Economic Empowerment.”
This moment marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s leadership on GBV, coming less than two weeks after the historic Women’s Shutdown, which mobilised over a million people and contributed to GBVF being declared a National Disaster for the first time.
A SOUTH AFRICAN PROOF OF CONCEPT: 21 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Spearheaded by the award-winning, 21-year-old media agency JT Communication Solutions, the delegation showcases a working model that moves beyond awareness and activism. It demonstrates how strategic storytelling, safety technology, and financial inclusion form a scalable ecosystem capable of shifting national and continental GBV outcomes.
The integrated model being presented tomorrow includes:
• Safety & Innovation
Memeza Community Safety – South Africa’s pioneering social enterprise providing community-based GBV prevention technology and measurable impact.
• Financial Inclusion & Skills
FASSET (Finance & Accounting Services SETA) – bringing institutional capacity to link safety, skills development, and gender-responsive budgeting.
• Narrative Ownership & Economic Power
JT Comms, Social TV, and ECAfrica – advancing a continental media architecture that reframes women as agents of economic transformation, not passive victims.
We are not here to repeat the problem. We are here to present a South African-grown blueprint that operationalises the AU’s own commitments. When safety technology, narrative ownership, and financial inclusion converge, GBV prevention becomes an economic intervention—not charity.” Vanessa Perumal, Founder of JT Communication Solutions & Moderator
“Our data shows undeniable social return. When you invest in safety infrastructure, you do more than save lives—you unlock economic participation. This is the proof of concept we are placing before the AU.” Dr. Thuli Mthethwa, Founder of Memeza Community Safety (NPO)
ALIGNED TO CONTINENTAL POLICY – READY TO SCALE
This panel directly supports the implementation of:
Both frameworks require measurable, replicable models. The South African delegation is presenting one of the few evidence-based prototypes ready for adoption across member states.
A CALL FOR COLLABORATIVE ACTION
The delegation will use the AU platform to call for partnerships toward establishing the Africa Economic Power Lab for Women — a multi-country initiative designed to scale safety technology, strengthen financial ecosystems, and amplify African women’s voices through media and storytelling.
This is not an endpoint. It is the beginning of a continental shift.
Media Contact: JT Communication Solutions, media@jtcomms.co.za, +27 83 954 6133 or (011)&88 7632
EDITOR’S NOTE
The panel takes place TOMORROW, Thursday 4 December, at 15:15 (GMT+3) at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa.
Spokespersons are on-site and available for immediate comment or embargoed interviews.
JOHANNESBURG, 29 November 2025 – As Funda Wande officially launches its expanded "Clips from Classroom" series at the Marriott Hotel today, a powerful, grassroots response is validating its approach to a critical national challenge: the shortage of practical teaching resources for African languages. A home-grown solution, the video series is enabling widespread, lecturer-driven adoption across South Africa's education faculties, demonstrating the system's clear demand for more.
The proven success of Funda Wande's "Clips from Classroom" video series is now forcing a major expansion into Sesotho and Setswana, responding to overwhelming grassroots demand from universities and provincial education departments.
Why This Matters Now
UNESCO research shows that children learning to read in a familiar language are 30% more likely to comprehend their reading before reaching high school. Yet South Africa has historically struggled to provide practical, mother-tongue teaching resources at scale.
"We are particularly encouraged by the overwhelming uptake at the university level," said Pernie Isaac, Head of Content and Training at Funda Wande. "It confirms a critical need: we know what works from a research perspective, but classroom practice doesn’t always reflect the evidence. This expansion is about closing that gap—it’s a direct, practical tool to help move evidence into consistent, daily implementation."
The series, initially released in isiXhosa and Sepedi, demonstrated such overwhelming demand that it has become a go-to tool across vernacular streams, compelling the creation of a massive new series comprising 120 new video episodes (60 per language) filmed in Sesotho and Setswana.
"This was the validation we needed," said Isaac. "When university lecturers who shape our future teachers independently adopt your resource, you know you've addressed a fundamental gap. This expansion isn't just an addition – it's a necessary response to a national need."
Closing the "Show and Tell" Gap
The resource addresses a crucial but often missing ingredient in teacher development: the "show." "The most common approach is 'tell,' but we're now bringing the 'show'," said Pernie Isaac. "Theory is still important, but teachers learn profoundly by seeing it in action. These videos bridge that gap between knowing what to do and seeing how to do it in a real classroom."
What Makes This Different
Democratising Access: Open-Source for Every Teacher
In a strategic move to democratise teacher development, the new series will be open-source, hosted on YouTube and accessible via QR codes – ensuring equal access for rural teachers and university lecturers alike.
"The clips teach the teachers," Isaac explained. "And now they're teaching the next generation of teachers at university. That's the scale of impact we're seeing."
The Bigger Picture
This expansion comes when only 28.5% of children up to age four attended early childhood development programmes in 2021, making foundational phase interventions crucial. The "Clips from Classroom" phenomenon demonstrates what happens when quality resources meet genuine need: organic adoption that crosses institutional boundaries, provincial divides, and economic barriers.
Media contact: Taynita Harilal - Taynita@jtcomms.co.za /media@jtcomms.co.za or +27 83 954 6133) +27 11 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Funda Wande - https://fundawande.org/
About Funda Wande: Funda Wande works to ensure children can read for meaning and calculate with confidence by age 10, creating high-quality, mother-tongue materials and evidence-based teaching programmes
Johannesburg, South Africa -- 26 November 2025: South Africa now has an additional 21 new literary works enriching its cultural landscape. The official launch of the 2025 DSAC Publishing Hub grant recipients took place on Friday, 21 November 2025 at the University of South Africa (UNISA), on the eve of South Africa's G20 Summit—a powerful statement of the nation's commitment to linguistic diversity, cultural preservation, and inclusive creative economies.
The momentous celebration brought together dignitaries, authors, enablers, ecosystem stakeholders from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), and notable luminaries including South Africa's Poet Laureate, Dr. Gcina Mhlope, amongst a host of literary and cultural leaders.
"These books confirm our commitment towards nurturing the literary ecosystem and empowering local authors and publishers along with the entire book value chain," declared Honourable Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Gayton McKenzie. "The literary works reflect our collective South African heritage, including youth, people living with disability and previously disadvantaged languages. This serves as a testament to the wealth of our cultural tapestry."
A Historic Milestone: 91 Works Preserving South Africa's Heritage
To date, the DSAC Publishing Hub has produced a remarkable total of 91 literary works, comprising:
Significantly, five of these works are written in Khwedam, !Xunthali and Nama—Khoi and San Languages—further emphasizing the programme's commitment to linguistic and cultural preservation of South Africa's indigenous heritage.
The 2024/25 Collection: 21 New Books, 7 Audiobooks, 6 Braille Transcriptions
The set of works produced in this financial year includes:
These 34 new works represent every official language and celebrate the diversity of South African storytelling—from children's literature to poetry anthologies, novels, drama texts, short story collections, and narrative non-fiction.
A Celebration of Rainbow Nation Excellence
The official launch event was a vibrant celebration of South African culture, featuring a colourful exhibition of African outfits that showcased the nation's rich sartorial heritage. The packed venue reflected the enthusiasm and pride South Africans have for their indigenous languages and stories.
In a powerful moment of solidarity, the event also honoured the Women's Shutdown by observing 15 minutes of silence—demonstrating that cultural celebration and social justice go hand in hand in South Africa's literary community.
Meet the 2025 DSAC Publishing Hub Grant Recipients
isiZulu:
isiXhosa:
Setswana:
Sesotho:
isiNdebele:
Sepedi:
Xitsonga:
Tshivenda:
Siswati:
Afrikaans:
English:
Literary Excellence Meets G20 Presidency
The timing of this launch—on the eve of South Africa's G20 Summit—underscores the nation's commitment to demonstrating that investment in culture, linguistic diversity, and creative economies is central to national development. As world leaders gather in South Africa, the DSAC Publishing Hub showcases the country's investment in knowledge production, linguistic diversity, and inclusive creative economies.
"This groundbreaking programme represents more than just publishing books—it's about reclaiming our narrative and investing in South Africa's intellectual capital," Minister McKenzie emphasized. "We're witnessing a renaissance in South African literature, and these grants ensure that every voice, in every language, has the opportunity to be heard."
Building an Inclusive Literary Ecosystem
The DSAC Publishing Hub, administered by the Academic and Non-Fiction Authors' Association of South Africa (ANFASA) in partnership with DSAC, represents a transformative commitment to:
Publishing Partners Driving Industry Growth
Xarra Books | Iziko Art Company | Siyafundisa Online | Mighty Greener Pastures General Trading Pty Ltd | HelpMyWorld | Sun Peo | Zamaphuti Publishers | Mbokoto | Epublishing and Digital Displays | Vinakotolo Press
A Testament to South Africa's Cultural Wealth
From the participation of South Africa's National Poet Laureate Prof Walle Serote to the presence of authors representing every corner of the nation, the launch celebration embodied the spirit of ubuntu and collective achievement. The colourful exhibition of African attire and the solemn observance honouring the Women's Shutdown demonstrated that South Africa's literary community is deeply connected to both cultural celebration and social justice.
The 91 works produced through the DSAC Publishing Hub since its inception represent more than books—they are vessels of memory, identity, and aspiration. They tell stories that have been waiting to be told, in languages that deserve to thrive, by authors whose voices enrich the global literary landscape.
Looking Forward: A Sustainable Literary Future
As South Africa continues to host the G20 and demonstrate leadership on the world stage, the DSAC Publishing Hub stands as proof that investing in culture and creativity is not ancillary to development—it is central to it. The programme's commitment to previously disadvantaged languages, accessibility for people with disabilities, and support for the entire book value chain ensures that South Africa's literary ecosystem will continue to flourish for generations to come.
For interview requests, images from the launch event, or additional information about the grant recipients and their works, please contact our media team on media@jtcomms.co.za
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of ANFASA and DSAC
Follow ANFASA for updates:
#ANFASA2025 #DSACPublishingHub #91LiteraryWorks #IndigenousLanguages #SouthAfricanLiterature #G20SouthAfrica #CulturalPreservation #RainbowNation
The Academic and Non-Fiction Authors' Association of South Africa (ANFASA), in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, administers the DSAC Publishing Hub—a national industry stimulus programme designed to revitalise South Africa's publishing sector, preserve linguistic heritage, and amplify diverse voices across all 11 official languages and Khoi and San languages.
Gauteng Gospel Explosion expects 10,000 attendees for an unprecedented weekend of music, worship, and outdoor adventure at Zwartkop Lapa Resort
CENTURION, Gauteng – 11 November 2025 — South Africa's gospel music scene is about to experience something entirely new. The Gauteng Gospel Explosion at the Gardens becomes the country's first-ever multi-day camping gospel festival when it opens November 28-30, 2025, at Zwartkop Lapa Resort.
With an expected 10,000 attendees, comprehensive security arrangements, and a lineup featuring 24 of South Africa's leading gospel artists, the event represents a bold new format for faith-based entertainment in the country.
Friday, November 28: Camping Under the Stars
The festival launches Friday evening as campers settle into Zwartkop Lapa Resort's campsite for a night of acoustic worship and fellowship. Artists including Snare Ncalu will perform alongside a DJ, creating an intimate opening to the weekend. In partnership with the Official Host City, the City of Tshwane, the first 50 registered campers will have access to a complimentary guided hiking experience.
Saturday, November 29: The Main Event
The festival reaches its crescendo on Saturday with 24 award-winning gospel artists and six dynamic MCs performing throughout the day. The roster includes gospel legends and breakthrough artists: Franna Benade, Lebo Sekgobela, Zaretha van Wyk, Khaya Mthethwa, Ruan Josh, Ayanda Ntanzi, Solly Mahlangu, Paul K, Stella, Puleng March, Sello Malete, Rhoda, Hellen Vokal, Busi Mnguni, John Grace, Sipho Shepherd, Jeje Mosia, Jabu Nkosi and Teboho Moruti MCs—Mazondi, Janine van Niekerk, Kokimoff, and Sibongile Mofokeng—alongside Ditsebe.com and Tshepi M will host.
Beyond the main stage, attendees can browse vendor stalls featuring local entrepreneurs and small businesses, while children enjoy a dedicated play area complete with slides and foam baths.
Sunday, November 30: Departure
Campers depart Sunday, concluding South Africa's inaugural camping gospel festival experience.
"We went through an extensive process to curate this year's lineup," says Festival Project Manager Mr. Peter Maruping "We looked at who's making waves in the gospel scene and who truly represents the diversity of our nation. This year's lineup represents every demographic—not just one group, but all people united through worship."
Security has been prioritized with private security teams working alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies to ensure attendee safety throughout the three-day event.
The Gauteng Gospel Explosion positions itself as more than entertainment—it's a catalyst for unity, worship, and economic empowerment across South Africa's diverse communities.
"This isn't just another event—it's a movement of unity, worship, and economic empowerment," Maruping emphasizes. The festival creates opportunities for small businesses, local vendors, and emerging artists while bringing together people of all colours, languages, and backgrounds from the City of Tshwane and beyond.
What: Gauteng Gospel Explosion at the Gardens (South Africa's First Camping Gospel Festival)
When: November 28-30, 2025
Special Experiences:
Media accreditation, interview requests with artists and organizers, and press passes are available. High-resolution images, camping logistics information, and artist bios provided upon request.
His Will Productions (Pty) Ltd, established in 2014, events company dedicated exclusively to gospel entertainment. The organization's mission is to create accessible, high-quality gospel experiences that unite communities across South Africa's diverse demographics. Having navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, His Will Productions has worked with numerous leading gospel artists and continues to innovate within the faith-based entertainment sector. The Gauteng Gospel Explosion at the Gardens marks the company's most ambitious project to date and its first multi-day camping festival format.
Yes, the show will go on this Sunday and you are welcome to join us.
Part 2 of the 11th African Women Writers Symposium (AWWS) takes place on Sunday 16th November at the Soweto Theatre. The Symposium is funded by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and is held in partnership with the Soweto Theatre. This event is free and open to all. Part 1 of our Symposium - held last month - was a resounding success and well received by the public and the media.
The African Women Writers Symposium returns with a vibrant programme of writing and publishing workshops, alongside compelling panel discussions where emerging and established authors tackle today's most pressing literary, social, and cultural issues.
Back by popular acclaim, award-winning poet and writer (of many works as listed below) Arja Salafranca will facilitate a workshop on short story writing. Her advice to any would-be writer is simple: “Read, of course, read as much and as widely as you can.”
How does a writer go from manuscript to published work? Dr. Stacy Hardy — acclaimed poet, Wits University lecturer, and editor at the Pan-African platform Chimurenga — will lead a special workshop to answer this very question. Along with co-facilitators Dr Raphael d’Abdon and Quaz Roodt, she brings a wealth of insight from her global scholarly work to guide writers on the practical steps toward publication.
This symposium will tackle the critical role of journalists in our challenging era. We will hear from leading voices like Naledi Moleo (ENCA), Mbali Dhlamini (EWN), and Selaelo Makhwidiri (Salaamedia), as they dissect the pressing issues in media today — from censorship and bias to disinformation and beyond.
There will be panels on debut writing with South African writers Nadia Cassim (Not Another Samoosa Run), Mpho Boshego (Diplomatic Ties) as well award-winning writer Zainab Dala, Romy Sommer, a romance novelist and writing coach, and Angolan writer Egna de Sousa.
As in previous editions, AWWS seeks to engage with the world we inhabit, not just the word. In an era of division, what do borders and belonging truly mean? We entrust this hefty but stimulating brain-teaser to a dynamic panel: young writer and activist Zulaikha Patel, political commentator Tessa Dooms (Power FM), author Zainab Dala, and South African indigenous historian Attaqua Ethel Herandien. Together, they will explore our shared humanity in the face of discrimination and xenophobia, both within South Africa and beyond its borders.
The programme will also feature performance poets and music. For more details on the programme, see below:
Entrance: FREE but booking is essential. RSVP 👉 bit.ly/AWWS2025_RSVP or email afroartsurban@gmail.com
For media interviews or any additional information, please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or call 011 788 7632 or 083 954 6133.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of African Women Writers’ Network and Afro Arts SA.
Programme includes literary workshops, panel discussions, music and poetry
Part 2: Sunday 16 November 2025
Time: 10 to 11.30am
Workshop 1:From Draft to Published: A Practical Workshop for Poets & Writers
Presenters: Dr Raphael d’Abdon (Unisa), Dr Stacy Hardy (Wits University), Quaz Roodt (University of Johannesburg)
Having one’s work published is the aspiration of every writer, but where and how does the journey begin? What must one do to stand a chance to be published in magazines and journals? When is one ready to submit a manuscript to a publisher? The workshop, facilitated by three experienced South African writers / editors / teachers, explores the different phases of the process that leads to publication (reading, writing and editing practices; submission; acceptance/rejection; final revision). It focuses on poetry and prose and is designed for all kinds of writers (beginners, amateurs, professionals).
Time: 10 to 11.30am
Workshop 2: Writing Short Stories, including publishing
Presenter: Arja Salafranca
Arja Salafranca has published three collections of poetry, A Life Stripped of Illusions, which received the Sanlam Award for poetryand The Fire in which we burn. Her third poetry collection is Beyond Touch, which was the co-winner in the poetry category of the South African Literary Awards in 2016.
Time: 11.30am to 1pm.
Panel 1: Debut Publishing: explaining the now and building the future
Panelists: Mpho Boshego, Nadia Cassim, Egna De Sousa (Angola), Romy Sommer, Zainab Dala
Facilitator: Nondumiso Msimanga
Mpho Boshego is the debut author of Diplomatic Ties and Nadia Cassims’ recent book is entitled Not Another Samoosa Run. Romy Sommer is a writing coach and writer of romance books. Egna De Sousa is an Angolan writer, poet, diplomat and she is the co-author of several anthologies that celebrate cultural diversity and female strength. Zainab Dala is an award winning writer.
Time: 1 to 1.45pm
Refreshments and Break
Time: 1.45 to 3.30pm
Panel 2: Borders, Land, Home and Belonging: Exploring our shared humanity
Panelists: Zulaikha Patel, Tessa Dooms, Attaqua Ethel Herandien, Zainab Dala
Facilitator: Prof Nedine Moonsamy (University of Johannesburg)
Zulaikha Patel is a writer and activist. Tessa Dooms is a writer, social analyst, broadcaster and currently a presenter on Power FM. Attaqua Ethel Herandien is a South African indigenous historian, social justice activist, knowledge keeper, and oral and visual storyteller and of Khoisan origin. Zainab Dala is an award winning writer of both fiction and non fiction; she is also a psychologist and physiotherapist.
Time: 3.30 to 5pm
Panel 3: Searching for the conscience in Media
Panelists: Naledi Moleo, Mbali Dhlamini, Selaelo Makhwidiri
Facilitator: Hassen Lorgat (Media Justice Activist)
This panel features professional journalists, including Naledi Moleo from ENCA, Mbali Dhlamini from EWN, and Selaelo Makhwidiri from Salaamedia. The session will look at the challenges facing the media, from ownership to misinformation and various other factors.
Time: 5 to 5.30pm
Cultural Programme: Poetry and Music
Poetry: Amogelang Aysha, Emmah Mabye, Torsten Clear Rybka & Modise Sekgothe
Music by the KAMVA String Quartet
After years of personal trauma, counsellor and author Mercia Scharneck shares how faith and a renewed mind became the foundation for lasting change.
From the depths of trauma to the heights of transformation, Mercia Scharneck’s story is one of redemption, restoration, and grace. A dynamic speaker, life coach, counsellor, and author, Mercia uses her voice to help others heal from pain, shame, and self-condemnation — guiding them to discover hope and purpose through faith.
In her new book, A Mind Renewed, A Life Transformed, she unpacks the power of shifting thought patterns and embracing God’s truth to unlock a life of freedom and renewal. Her message is deeply personal yet universal — reminding readers that healing is not just possible but promised when we allow transformation to begin from within.
Born and raised as the youngest of seven siblings, Mercia built a successful corporate career before choosing to dedicate her life to her family and calling. Married for 40 years, she is a proud mother of two daughters and a joyful grandmother of two. Her journey, marked by both deep pain and profound faith, has become a testament to the power of grace and the courage to rebuild.
A traumatic experience early in her life left her battling feelings of inferiority, shame, and silence. Yet, through a life-changing encounter with God, Mercia began a powerful process of healing and restoration — one that redefined her purpose and inspired her to help others overcome the limitations of their past.
Over the years, she has served on the board of a home for abused girls, mentored women from broken backgrounds, and led faith-based initiatives and women’s ministry camps. Together with her husband, she counsels and mentors premarital and married couples, offering guidance rooted in biblical principles and lived experience.
Mercia’s speaking engagements and her YouTube channel extend her ministry beyond the walls of the church, allowing her to reach diverse audiences with a message of authenticity, grace, and renewal. Her passion is to show that no life is beyond repair — and that through the renewal of the mind, individuals can step into a future defined not by pain but by purpose.
“Healing begins when we allow truth to challenge the lies that have held us captive,” says Mercia. “A renewed mind changes everything — how we see ourselves, how we live, and how we love.”
Mercia Scharneck’s latest book, A Mind Renewed, A Life Transformed, will be launched on 1 November 2025 at 09h00 for 09h30 at Every Nation Rosebank, 20A 7th Avenue, Parktown North, R50 per person
For more information, interviews, or review copies, please contact: JT Communication Solutions on media@jtcomms.co.za or 083 954 6133
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Mercia Scharneck
In 2020, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) partnered with Funda Wande to pilot and roll out a structured Home Language Foundation Phase programme in Afrikaans and isiXhosa as part of its reading strategy. On Saturday, 18 October 2025, the partners will host a landmark event aimed at celebrating and strengthening the role of teachers at the heart of the province’s foundational literacy and numeracy intervention.
Dubbed “Scaling Quality Education: The Role of Teachers”, the event will bring together hundreds of Foundation Phase teachers, subject advisors and education leaders from across the province to reflect on progress made and deepen the shared commitment to improving literacy and numeracy outcomes in every classroom.
Under this theme, the Western Cape Minister for Education, MrDavid Maynier, will present the policy and systems perspective on scaling quality education across the province, while Dr Zelda Barends of Stellenbosch University will contribute a research and teacher training perspective, drawing on evidence from her work in strengthening teacher education and classroom practice.
The programme will include practical learning sessions facilitated by Funda Wande specialists and WCED lead teachers, a recognition ceremony honouring outstanding educators, and a panel discussion exploring how Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) can sustain teacher development and improve learner outcomes over time. The discussion will delve into how PLCs promote collaboration among teachers, enable the sharing of best practices across schools and create a culture of continuous learning that directly enhances classroom practice and learner performance.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Phumi Nhlapo, Chief Executive Officer of Funda Wande, noted: “Teachers are the most powerful agents of change in education. This event celebrates their courage, commitment and creativity. It is also a moment to recommit to supporting teachers with the right tools, training and community so that every child can read for meaning and calculate with confidence by the age of ten.”
A Growing Partnership for Foundational Learning
The collaboration between Funda Wande and the WCED represents a shared vision for transforming foundational learning. The partnership focuses on strengthening literacy and numeracy instruction across the Foundation Phase through evidence-based teacher training, structured learning materials, and continuous classroom support. The provincial rollout of the Funda Wande literacy programme began in 2023, while the numeracy programme, called Bala Wande, will be piloted in 2026 for rollout in 2027.
Over the past year, the collaboration has expanded to include teacher support using structured lesson support and PLCs led by lead teachers in a hub and spoke model. These initiatives equip teachers with proven methods that enhance classroom practice and ensure that every learner has a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
“We are deeply encouraged by the progress we are seeing through this partnership,” said the Western Cape Minister for Education. “When teachers are supported, recognised and empowered, learners thrive. This is not just a programme, it is an investment in the very foundation of our education system to improve learning outcomes in our province.”
Funda Wande and WCED remain united in their vision that every child in South Africa should learn to read for meaning and calculate with confidence by age ten. The Western Cape event marks another step forward in turning that vision into reality through collaboration, evidence, and teacher excellence.
Event Highlights
Media Invited and Expected at the Event:
Media Information
RSVP for accreditation and interview requests:
Interview opportunities: Minister for Education, WCED officials, Funda Wande leadership, and participating Foundation Phase teachers.
