South Africa will be the guest of honour at the 33rd Havana International Book Fair, scheduled from February 13 to 23, 2025. The announcement, made by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, marks the country’s prominent role in one of Cuba’s largest cultural events.
The Book Fair, which is held annually in Havana, is the most attended cultural event in Cuba. This year’s edition will commemorate two significant anniversaries: the 130th of José Martí’s death and the 25th anniversary of the creation of Cuba’s Territorial Publishing System. The Fair’s theme, “A Whole Country in Books,” will celebrate Cuba’s literary achievements.
South Africa’s participation will be guided by the theme “Papers of Resistance,” exploring the role of writing in resistance movements and the preservation of cultural memory. This theme aims to reflect the power of paper in shaping history and literature, from students’ early poems to banned books kept secret during times of oppression.
A delegation of South African authors and poets will attend the Fair, showcasing the country’s literary talents. South African writers have long played a key role in the country’s transition from segregation to democracy, using their voices to advocate for equality and unity.
Among the authors representing South Africa are Farren Cloete, a popular TikTok author and motivational speaker, Eugene Damons, a writer inspired by personal experiences, and Nombeko Nontshokweni, whose poetry collection “uNobuntu” has received international recognition. Other notable authors include Dr. John Lourens Maralack, Zonwabele Tshayana, Annerle Barnard, and Lungie Mtetwa. The diverse group of participants will engage in seminars, discussions, and interviews, bringing South Africa’s rich literary heritage to the global stage.
