Interest in women writers in South Africa, is undeniably in demand.
If ever there are “Doubting Thomass” such as those questioning the existence of women writers in South Africa, alongside those who question the level of interest in women writers from South Africa and elsewhere, then such pessimistic folks are amiably advised to seek the feedback of those who attended, what the University of Johannesburg (UJ) fittingly dubbed as the “Johannesburg Festival of Women Writers: An Intergenerational Conversation”.
The latter was an inaugural conference, hosted by the Johannesburg Institute of Advanced Study (JIAS) on Sunday 12th February 2023, at Johannesburg Business School (JBS).
This venue was formerly known as Media Park, which formerly operated as the headquarters of Media 24).
A fun fact about the specific section where the conference proceedings took place (on the far right from the main gate of JBS), is that this venue was once used as a parking lot.
The range of stalwart and budding women authors selected to serve as panelists and the few book vendors, who came to sell some of the latters books, combined with an intergenerational audience certainly assures me that replies from the bulk of attendees ought to affirm my opening salvo.
UJs seriousness in hosting its inaugural “Festival of Women Writers” was evident, from the presence of its most senior leaders, who were allocated respective slots on the programme.
The only conspicuous absentee listed on the programme, was Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi (the incoming Vice-Chancellor and Rector of UJ).
For me, another critical absentee although not a member of UJs Management was Prof. Victoria J. Collis-Buthelezi, on the basis that she is UJs Director of the “Centre for the Study of Race, Gender and Class”.
During the Plenary Session in Room LG 023, which was packed to capacity before lunchtime, conference attendees were informed by Prof.
Tshilidzi Marwala, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor and Rector of UJ (his tenure ends this month), that this inaugural conference was the brainchild of Dr. Barbara Masekela (introduced on the conference program as an author, poet, educator, activist, and JIAS Fellow).
Dr. Masekelas book Poli Poli (2021), is a must-read which amongst others will enable the South African public to know her, beyond being bra Hugh (or Minkie) Masekelas younger sister.
The Director of JIAS Dr. Bongani Ngqulunga was acknowledged as an enabling pillar toward realising Dr. Masekelas proposal.
Among those that supported Dr. Masekela, was Elinor Sisulu (introduced on the conference program as an “award-winning writer, Childrens literature specialist, and activist”).
Prof. Marwala also announced that Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, as the Chancellor of UJ, has been entrusted to be the Patron of this “Johannesburg Festival of Women Writers” which will be hosted annually.
Leading by example, as an author of about 16 books, Prof. Marwala presented his latest book (published last week) to the UJ Chancellor titled “The 4th Industrial Revolution and International Relations”.
Those familiar with Prof. Marwalas speeches expected to hear (and we did) his mantra Those who do not read must not lead, lest they mislead us into temptation and deliver us to Satan.
This festival will serve as part of Prof. Marwalas legacy at UJ. Imagine leaving, on such a high note.
This festival was open to the public for free but too much was crammed for a single day.
Dr. Masekela and her organising team hosted nine sessions.
Most of the slots ran parallel, with the exception of the well-attended “Plenary Session” (1 pm-1.40 pm) and poorly attended Closing Session (4 pm-4.15 pm).
The first two panels from 10-11:15 am were themed “Trends in, and vision for contemporary writing in South Africa” (moderated by Dr. Danyela Demir) and “Childrens Literature: The challenges of creating a cultural and linguistically relevant childrens literature rooted in our storytelling traditions” (moderated by Nthabi Sibanda-Founder of Puo Books).
The 11.30 am-12:45 timeslot featured my favourite theme “Life writing: Celebrating and Writing Life-Biographies, Autobiographies, and Memoirs”, alongside “The ARC: From your head to my bookshelf” (moderated by Jenny Crwys-Williams- an author) and my other favorite theme was “Poetry: Song, spoken words and heritage” (moderated by Dr. Gcina Mhlophe- a storyteller).
The 2.30pm-3.45pm slot featured The UN Decade for Indigenous Language 2022-2032 (moderated by Dr. Athambile Masola) and Academic writing: The Politics of citation and importance of correct referencing (moderated by Dr. Danyela Demir).
Dr. Sindiwe Magonas keynote address in the Plenary Session, was in sync with these words from the programme of the festival Women write to make their voices heard, but those voices risk being muted if their books do not reach their intended audiences.
“More platforms are needed that celebrate and promote the voices into all our cultural and educational models to reflect the full range of joy, play, and pain found in the work of South Africas women – be they writers. Performers, dramatists, storytellers, screenwriters or poets.
It would be great for the duration of the sequel festival to be hosted over three days, if possible the organizers should consider including a panel for publishers and male authors writing about women.
Malibongwe igama lamakhosikazi!!
*The author of this article Dr. Tshepo Mvulane Moloi is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Ali Mazrui Centre for Higher Education Studies (AMCHES) at the University of Johannesburg. The views he expresses in this article are not necessarily those of The Bulrushes