The 29th edition of Poetry Africa, presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, takes place October 6-11 at Seabrooke’s Theatre in Durban. This year’s theme, “Poetry: Architecture of Social Justice,”explores how poetic expression constructs bridges across societal divides, giving voice to the marginalized and challenging systemic injustices.

Leading this year’s charge is the remarkable Ari Sitas, a poet who has spent decades using verse as both critique and vision alongside 70 poets from South Africa, Mexico, Nigeria, Kenya, Sudan, Palestine, Somalia, Uganda, Reunion Island, the UK, the US, Jamaica, India, Côte d’Ivoire, Ukraine, and Brussels.

Online Programme Highlights (October 6-10)

The digital programme runs daily at 2PM and 4PM SAST, featuring:

  • African Poetry Book Fund Showcase: APBF board member Phillippa Yaa De Villiers hosts discussions with TJ Dema, Henk Rossouw, Vuyelwa Maluleke, and Chimwemwe Undi
  • Writing Through Conflict: Ari Sitas moderates conversations with poets from war zones, including Huda Fadlelmawla (Sudan/Australia), Ladan Osman (Somalia/Chicago), Assma Azaizeh (Palestine), and Olena Huseinova (Ukraine)
  • Speculative Futures: Xabiso Vili & Vuyokazi Ngemntu explore speculative fiction with Shanice Ndlovu (Zimbabwe), Tlotlo Tsamaane (USA), and Oghenechovwe Ekpeki (Nigeria)
  • Global Conversations: Inter-country dialogues featuring Canadian writers Tawhida Tanya Evanson, Kaie Kellough, and Canisia Lubrin alongside South African poets Lebo Mashile and Siphokazi Jonas

National Slam Poetry Championship

One of the festival’s major highlights is the annual Slam Jam competition, where South Africa’s national Slam Poet Champion will be crowned. The competition features:

Semi-finals (October 10): Ten poets compete including Belita Andre, Hlengiwe Mnyandu, Karabo Bopape, Khayalethu Mguzulo, Natasha Mubanga, Noel Diketane, Rea Mmethi, Tiisetso Maeane, Tshepo Molefe, and Zewande Bhengu.

Finals (October 11): Winner receives R20,000, an international trip, and the chance to represent South Africa at the 2026 World Poetry Slam hosted by Poetry Africa.

The finals jury includes 2024 Slam Jam winner Olive Olusegun (who also performs a special set), Dr Nick Makoha (Ugandan-born, London-based poet and RSL Fellow), and Huda Fadlelmawla (winner of the 2025 Australia for UNHCR-SBS Les Murray Award).

The Chalkboard Slammers competition for high school learners (grades 8-12) takes place earlier on finals day at 10am, hosted by Andisa Mpisi.

All online sessions are free and accessible worldwide. Full programme details and registration links are available on the Poetry Africa website. Follow @PoetryAfrica on social media for live updates.

The festival continues to be supported by partners including the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, University of Johannesburg Arts and Culture Centre, and the French Institute of South Africa.