The Thaba Nchu Book Festival is celebrating its third anniversary in 2026, marking a significant milestone for a community-driven initiative that began without formal funding and continues to thrive through the support of community members and schools.
Reaching three years is a powerful confirmation that the festival is deeply needed in Thaba Nchu.
The festival, which was founded by Charmaine Mrwebi, celebrates and promotes mother-tongue literacy, particularly Setswana, while showcasing the beauty, heritage, and people of Thaba Nchu.
What began as a modest initiative in 2024 has grown into a meaningful cultural platform. In its first year, the festival successfully published two Thaba Nchu authors, demonstrating its commitment to local storytelling and literary development.
One of the core goals of the Thaba Nchu Book Festival is to see more unpublished local authors, especially those writing in Setswana, given opportunities to be published. The festival is powered by young volunteers from Thaba Nchu, including creatives, poets, actors, and committed community members. These volunteers play a vital role in organising the festival, marketing it to schools, and participating as performers and authors.
Despite operating without funding, the festival continues to grow because of the deep impact it has on children.
The excitement, engagement, and smiles witnessed during reading sessions and performances are unforgettable, and the stories shared remain with children long after the festival ends. This lasting impact is what sustains the festival year after year.
“In its first year, the festival partnered with Nal’ibali, the National Museum, and Childline, and it continues to seek meaningful partnerships to strengthen its mission of promoting reading, writing, and storytelling.” Said Charmaine Mrwebi.
The third instalment of the festival marks an exciting expansion. For the first time, the programme will feature over five children’s theatre productions performed in a theatre setting at Mmabana Cultural Centre in Thaba Nchu, as well as educational tours of Thaba Nchu heritage sites.
The 2026 edition of the festival will take place from 12–14 March 2026 and will be hosted across multiple venues, including Mmabana Cultural Centre, Selosesha Library, and Lekgotla la Barolong.
The programme will include book readings, puppetry shows, storytelling sessions, children’s productions, and book discussions. All activities are designed to be both fun and educational, with a strong focus on promoting Setswana as a mother tongue.
Schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres are warmly invited to register and participate in this vibrant celebration of books, language, culture, and community.
For enquiries and registration, contact the Festival Organizer at 071 557 3231
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