Gaborone Book Festival a roaring success
The 5th annual Gaborone Book Festival (GBF) held at Maitisong and University of Botswana Library Auditorium was a resounding success. The book festival attracted authors, writers,poets, book lovers, readers and literary heads from all corners of the country.
The revellers came together to share a love for reading and writing and to also enjoy great discussions on topical issues including African spirituality, self-confidence and self-awareness, dreams and conviction, love, history, sport and Setswana culture. The book festival is organised by GBF Trust, a non-profit organisation that was founded in late 2017 by sisters, Keikantse and Kenanao Phele, who are both passionate readers, and wanted to share their love for reading with Batswana, hence created this platform. “Our main objective is to encourage people of all ages to read for pleasure, with a keen focus on promoting engagement with the literary works of authors and storytellers from Botswana, as well as those from other African countries.” “It is also the only existing book festival in Botswana that further offers various literary platforms throughout the year apart from its flagship September book festival.” At the festival the organisers expressed gratitude to all the readers and writers who came together to share their love for the written word and reading culture.
Some of the authors on the line-up included Rachel Nekati, Kgomotso Jongman, Sylvester Chauke from South Africa, Joe Kabomo, Zukiswa Wanner, Bontekanye Botumile, Isaac Makwala, Bonolo Phaladze and Boitsheko Ntshjngane, among others. Poets such as Mandisa Mabuthoe and Angle Thato China also shared their work with guests. The three-day book festival also included book sales of book titles by several authors, and culminated in a poetry performance showcase.