FUNDA MPONDO LITERARY FESTIVAL TO BRIDGE GENERATIONS THROUGH THE POWER OF STORYTELLING.
Storytelling will take centre stage in Lusikisiki this September as the Funda Mpondo Literary Festival returns for its fourth edition, with a focus on connecting generations and preserving cultural heritage through oral narratives.
Held from 3–4 September 2025 at the Lusikisiki Health Resource Centre, the festival is presented by KwaziThina Publishers under the theme: “Bridging Generations Through Tales of the Past, Present, and Future.” This year’s program features a rich blend of literature, music, intergenerational dialogue, and heritage preservation efforts.
Festival curator and organizer Nomawele Njongo—a respected National Heritage Ambassador, 2024 National Voice of Heritage Award winner, and Brand South Africa Play Your Part Ambassador—said the festival is committed to “safeguarding our collective heritage by creating spaces for connection.” She will also debut a chapter from her upcoming book titled “A Prayer for My Children’s Children.”
A key highlight of the festival is the emotionally resonant “My Grandmother’s Story” (Ilivo/Ibali LikaMakhulu) session, where elders will share personal tales that will be compiled into a landmark anthology, in collaboration with the National Heritage Council (NHC). This initiative supports the NHC’s mission to promote and preserve heritage rooted in indigenous oratory traditions.
The festival proudly welcomes renowned author, poet, and storyteller Dr. Gcina Mhlophe as a featured guest. Local singer Jamakazi Bazana will open the event with a live rendition of the National Anthem, setting the tone for two days of cultural celebration and literary dialogue.
In keeping with its commitment to youth empowerment and community engagement, the festival includes school programs, intergenerational discussion sessions, and the Play Your Part Corner: a conversation on “How I Can Play My Part in Building the South Africa We Want,” promoting active citizenship as part of Brand South Africa’s broader campaign.
Festival Highlights Include:Intergenerational Dialogue Sessions: Elders, adults, and youth engage in storytelling circles to foster understanding and bridge generational gaps.
Panel Discussions:Cultural Diplomacy and Mpondo HeritageHarmonizing Heritage: Music Education as a Living ArchiveFrom Page to Screen: Collaboration Between Publishers and Filmmakers.
Global Narrative Bridges: International perspectives from Ghana, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa on preserving heritage through oral traditions.
Book Launches:The Right to Live a Full Life – Tobe Thabede Mogau – Mogau Letswalo-Ndamitha Njani Singadibananga – Nozibele Maqutywa Masiqhube Kusakhanya Kusakhanya – Nomonde Makheswa Makaula.
Special Readings:Ilivo lesiMpondo, celebrating isiMpondo heritage.
Traditional Leaders’ Dialogue: Honoring the role of traditional authorities in sustaining and transmitting cultural narratives.
Launch of the Inaugural Festival Magazine: Featuring coverage of the newly formed IsiMpondo Language Board, this publication signals a significant step in language preservation efforts.
Attendees can also enjoy exhibits from regional and national stakeholders including Magwa Tea SA, Majola Tea, Standard Bank, ECPACC, Octopus Ethnomedicine, KTP Books, and the Eastern Cape Women Writers Association, alongside a showcase of independent authors.
The festival’s success is made possible through support from the National Heritage Council, Brand South Africa, Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council, Walter Sisulu University, Department of Education, OR Tambo District Municipality, and Ingquza Hill Local Municipality.
As the Eastern Cape’s premier celebration of literature and culture, the Funda Mpondo Literary Festival continues to serve as a beacon of intergenerational connection, cultural preservation, and literary excellence.