“We are celebrating the heritage of storytelling”
On Heritage Day, 24 September 2025, Johannesburg’s historic Sophiatown was transformed into a hub of storytelling, learning, and celebration as Book Bank South Africa launched their inaugural Sophiatown Heritage Festival which is a vibrant new event that is dedicated to children’s literature and cultural pride.
Held at the heart of one of South Africa’s most iconic cultural centres, the TREVOR HUDDLESTON CR Memorial Building, the festival brought together young readers, authors, publishers, educators, and families for a full day of book talks, launches, live performances, and interactive storytelling.
The day kicked off with the national anthem and the official launch of the festival, setting the tone for an inspiring program. The line-up featured a range of authors from all over South Africa, sharing stories that were not only entertaining but deeply rooted in themes of identity, empowerment, and education.
Highlights included of the event included Nkateko Emily Mabasa‘s engaging book talk on Celebrating Our Differences (Embracing My Superpowers), which encouraged children to take pride in what makes them unique, to be confident and to accept help.
The festival also marked the exciting launch of Come Back Bolt by Angela Korkee, an adventurous new children’s title and Sarona Lengana’s release of Books 3 to 7 of her popular science-themed series, The Pikinini Scientist – Delightful storytelling from Janap Biemba (Cuddles the Panda, Dingo the Brave Elephant) and Jennifer Caroll (Sleepover at Grandma), among others – as well as a unique Financial Literacy Play for Kids, making money matters fun and understandable.
The festival wasn’t just for the little ones. Authors like Nolan Pillay, Jennifer Strachan, and Mmathabo Sukati brought valuable insights for older youth and adults, covering topics like mental health, success, and social justice through storytelling.
Speaking to Douglas Mark Ritson, who is a co-founder of Book Bank South Africa and one of the organisers behind the festival, it was clear this event was about much more than books.
“As the book bank SA, we wanted to create a space where we help authors get recognised here at home, bookshops, and festivals, such as this, but also internationally going to events like this overseas, as well as having them on our website and actively promoting them,” said Ritson.
“This is the first of many. Our goal is to take this festival, and these books, to kids in every corner of the country.”
Ritson spoke passionately about access to books as a tool for empowerment especially in underserved communities where children’s literature can be scarce.
As the day progressed, laughter filled the air, books were signed, there were questions asked, and imaginations sparked. Kids walked away not only with books in hand, but they carried stories in their hearts that mirrored their own experiences, struggles, and dreams.
Ritson also mentioned that Sophiatown is significant because it is rich in legacy of writers, books, stories, and history, not even about apartheid and removals and changing of the name but it carries the heart of history.
The success of the first Sophiatown Heritage Festival marks the beginning of a new tradition, one that celebrates not just reading, but identity, inclusion, and the power of storytelling in shaping the next generation.
By Sinentlantla Mbokwe
