2nd National Literary Festival 2025

Join us at the National Literary Festival 2025!

All book enthusiasts are invited to find out more about the publishing scene in Namibia.

Stalls, panel discussions, reading corners, workshops and signing opportunities with the authors are just some of the events planned.

Kuiseb Publishers and the team of the Society will also be present during the day to gladly answer all your questions.

Bring your family and friends to enjoy the National 2^nd Literary Festival.

Programme

Friday, 3 October 2025

08:30-9:30: Arrival and Registration 

09:30-9:35: National and AU Anthem

09:35-09:45: Welcome Remarks – Ms M’kariko Amagulu, Chairperson, NACN Literature Committee

09:45-09:55: Partner Remarks – Ms. Sarah Negumbo, Director, National Library & Archive Service

09:55-10:05: Remarks – Goethe Institute

10:05-10:15: Partner Remarks – Netwerk

10:15-10:25: Partner Remarks Blood Transfusion Services

10:25-10:35: Poem –  Lize Ehlers

10:35-10:45: Remarks by Young Author/writer of “The aliens” – Jobina Shovaleka

10:45-11:05: Remarks by special guest, author of  “The Eternal Audience Of One” and Only Stars know the Meaning of Space, founder of Doek Literary Magazine and the Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards - Rémy Ngamije

11:05-11:15: Music Interlude – Zingerwingz (Aka Anjelina Akawa)

11:15-11:40: Keynote Address by Dr Ellen Ndeshi Namhila, librarian by profession, author and currently serving as a Pro-vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia for Administration, Finance and Resource Mobilisation

11:-40:11:45: Vote of Thanks – Helen Vale

11:45-11:50: AU and National Anthem

13:00-14h00: LUNCH

14:00-15:00: Workshop 1 – Sharing our Experience as poets Facilitators: Dr Hugh Ellis and Ms Mimi Ellis-Mwiya

15:15-16:15: Presentation/workshop – Facilitator: Rémy Ngamije

16:30-17:45: Panel discussion 1 - Contemporary Writing in Namibia – Challenges and Opportunities; Facilitator: Helen Vale, Panellists: Nelson Mlambo, Charmaine ǁGamxamûs and Sylvia Schlettwein

18:00-19:00: Spoken Word – Performance poetry

19:00-20:00: Free Your Mind – Stand-up Comedy

During the day: Literary Market & Networking Space: Local publishers and authors showcase and sell books

 

Saturday, 4 October 2025

08:30-09:00: Registration 

09:00-10:00: Writers’ Corner: Meet the Authors, featuring Namibian and regional authors such as Femi Kayode, Mel Kelly, Charmaine ǁGamxamûs, Erika von Wietersheim, Jobina Shovaleka, Sylvia Schlettwein, Simon Nakapunda, Fillemon  Iyambo, Carmelita Dentlinger, Roxanne Bayer, Kay-Leigh De Sousa, Dr Valerie Tagwira, Laurentius Davids etc

10:15-11:30: Panel Discussion 2 – Future of Publishing in Namibia, Facilitator: Samuel Mayinoti, Panellists: publishers: Ruth Moldzio (Kuiseb Publishers) Naitsi Iizeyenda (UNAM Press) and Peter Reiner (WordWeaver)

11:45-13:00: Workshop 3 – The Role of Literature for Cultural and Socioeconomic Impacts, Facilitator: Prof. Nelson Mlambo

13:00-14:00: LUNCH          

14:00-15:00: Panel Discussion 3 Memoir & Autobiography Writing, Facilitator: Ellen Namhila, Panellists: Erika von Wietersheim and Prof. Andrew Niikondo

15:15-16:15: Workshop 4 – Orature and Embodied Performance Cultures, Facilitator: Dr Nashiilongoshipwe Muushandja

16:30-17:45: Poems and short story readings by Blood Transfusion writing completion winners Blood Transfusion Services of Namibia

18:00-20:00: Closing Event

During the day: NLAS Reading Corner Children’s Storytelling Session Story teller and reading support Ms. Maggie Forcelledo

and

Literary Market & Networking Space: Local publishers and authors showcase and sell books

 

 

Please note: The opinions expressed during presentations, films or events are not necessarily endorsed by the Society.