BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE — Every story carries a world within it, and this November, Eswatini’s writers, poets and book lovers will have an opportunity to bring those worlds together as the SPELL literary festival returns to reignite conversations, celebrate storytelling and strengthen the country’s literary community.
Scheduled for November 7 at the Eswatini Theatre Club in Mbabane, the biennial festival will bring together writers, readers and storytellers for a day of literary discussions, panel talks, poetry, live storytelling, crafts and creative exchange under the thought-provoking theme, Fables Are Made Of This.
The festival seeks to create a stronger network for local writers, offering them opportunities to share their work, connect with fellow creatives, reach new audiences and contribute to the growth of Eswatini’s literary landscape.
SPELL co-curator Thandeka Malaza explained that this year’s theme draws inspiration from writer Ben Okri’s essay of the same title, particularly his dedication to writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
Through the theme, the festival will explore the influence of storytelling on society, examining how narratives shape people’s understanding of their identities, histories and surroundings.
“Storytelling is not simply entertainment,” Malaza said, emphasising its importance in helping people understand different experiences and preserve cultural identities.
The return of SPELL builds on the foundation established during its inaugural edition in 2024, which was held under the theme Reflecting Tomorrow. The first gathering encouraged writers to look towards the future while building meaningful connections within the literary space.
According to Malaza, the festival was established in response to an isolated literary culture, with the intention of bringing writers and readers closer together and nurturing a more connected community.
This year’s programme will place particular emphasis on equipping writers with knowledge to improve their writing practices while creating opportunities for them to engage directly with readers.
Beyond discussions and literary learning, attendees can expect an immersive celebration of the written and spoken word, with live poetry and storytelling bringing literature to life beyond the pages of a book.
“Our reading community will come ready to buy books, listen to talks, get into conversations during our panels and enjoy live poetry and storytelling,” Malaza said.
Craft activities will also form part of the programme, allowing participants to explore their creativity beyond writing and reading while engaging with other forms of artistic expression.
Malaza hopes the gathering will inspire meaningful conversations and help local authors establish relationships that can support their creative journeys long after the festival ends.
She encouraged writers to embrace SPELL as a platform to share their voices, learn from others and become part of a growing literary network.
Authors interested in participating can contact the organisers via itsinthebinding@gmail.com or through Instagram at @itsinthebinding. Application guidelines will also be published on the festival’s Instagram page.
As SPELL prepares to return, its message is clear: stories are more than words on a page. They preserve memories, challenge perspectives and connect people across different experiences. By bringing writers and readers into the same space, the festival hopes to give Eswatini’s stories the audience, recognition and lasting place they deserve.
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