DCAS supports literacy, local voices at Cape Flats Book Festival
The Western Cape Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is proud to support the upcoming Cape Flats Book Festival.
The festival is taking place on:
Date: Saturday, 31 January 2026 from 9:30 to 16:00
Date: Sunday, 1 February 2026 from 10:00 to 14:30
Venue: West End Primary School, Merrydale Avenue, Lentegeur, Mitchell’s Plain.
Now in its 5th year, the annual festival, hosted in Mitchell’s Plain, is an important platform that celebrates storytelling, literacy, and the powerful voices emerging from our communities.
MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said the festival reflects the province’s commitment to building a culture of reading, creative expression, and access to the arts for all residents.
“The Cape Flats Book Festival is a space where young people see themselves reflected in stories, where local writers are affirmed, and where reading becomes a tool for empowerment and opportunity,” said Minister Mackenzie.
The festival brings together authors, poets, educators, and readers to engage in meaningful conversations around identity, language, history, and social change. By hosting events within communities, the festival helps to break down barriers to access and nurtures a love of reading among youth and emerging writers.
“Literacy is foundational to education, economic participation, and social cohesion. When we invest in books and storytelling, we invest directly in the future of our communities,” Minister Mackenzie added.
The festival will feature 63 sessions and 113 authors, poets, and facilitators. All sessions are free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Minister Mackenzie thanks READ to RISE for driving the initiative and West End Primary School for opening its doors to the broader community.
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport continues to support initiatives that promote reading, writing and encourage lifelong learning.
Media enquiries:
Ross Michaels
Media Liaison Officer to the Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 073 157 5937