South Africa: One Nation, Many Voices

South Africa: One Nation, Many Voices

18-21 April 2010

Three panel events presented by The British Library in association with The British Council as part of the South Africa Market Focus at the London Book Fair


South Africa: Country of Contrasts
Sunday 18 April 14.30-16.00

What are the realities of life for ordinary South Africans sixteen years since it emerged from apartheid? and in a country where dramatic divides still exist between rich and poor, city and countryside, modernity and tradition. BBC news presenter George Alagiah chairs a discussion with South African writers Thando Mqgolozana and Niq Mhlongo, Jonny Steinberg, Marlene van Niekerk


South Africa: The Legacy of Struggle
Monday 19 April 18.30-20.00


Life under apartheid generated an explosion of creative writing: theatre, fiction and poetry became both responses to the system and weapons of the struggle. Sixteen years on, our distinguished panel consider the impact of politics on writing, and the legacy of apartheid for literature in South Africa today. With author, artist and academic Zakes Mda, novelist and literary figurehead Njabulo Ndebele and the former editors of anti-segregationist Staffrider magazine: author and poet Chris van Wyk and short story writer and novelist Ivan Vladislaviċ. Chaired by award-winning cultural journalist Maya Jaggi (Guardian Review).


South Africa : A United Country?
Wednesday 21 April 18.30-20.00

What does it mean to be South African, especially in the light of its complex make-up and ever-evolving history? How does a country forge a national or common story – and is it necessary to do so? Writer and broadcaster Sue MacGregor, who grew up in Cape Town, chairs a discussion with four contrasting authors of South African origin: Damon Galgut whose novels include Man Booker Prize nominated The Good Doctor; young novelist Kopano Matlwa; prize-winning Afrikaans writer Etienne van Heerden, and Zoe Wicomb, much acclaimed writer of fiction, critic and academic.

For more details visit www.bl.uk/whatson
The British Library Conference Centre, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB

Tickets priced £6 / £4 concessions for each events available at http://boxoffice.bl.uk/, by calling 01937 546546 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri) or in person at The British Library.