Achievements by women will be celebrated at the She Women Book Festival in Bloemfontein on Monday (08/08) and Tuesday.
This is an initiative by the Charmza Literacy Club, founded by published author and librarian Charmaine Mrwebi.
The festival coincides with Women’s Month, which pays homage to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956.
According to Mrwebi, the event will be more than a book festival, as it seeks to provide a networking platform for women who play a role in Free State society.
“This will celebrate achievements by women and girls from the Free State in areas of health awareness and literacy programmes, publishing books that heal and inspire,” said Mrwebi.
She said at least ten authors from the province will exhibit their books.
Proceedings on Monday will start with a reading and information session for children at the Relebeletse Primary School in Phase 4, Bloemfontein, from 10:00 to 13:00.
The highlight will take place on Tuesday at the South Africa Union Hall from 09:00 to 12:00, when new author and cancer survivor Lisebo Mokoena will launch her self-written memoir, A Letter to My Past.
The book reflects on Mokoena’s story of courage and her triumph over adversity by surviving a rape ordeal and more than one type of cancer.
Mokoena (42) was born and raised in Kutlwanong, Odendaalsrus, and currently resides in Bloemfontein.
She graduated at the Vista University with a BCom degree.
Mokoena is also a cancer ambassador and a plus-size beauty model.
She is a humanitarian and a motivational speaker for young girls and boys, but focuses mostly on boys.
She also supports cancer patients and their families.
“We invited women authors to celebrate another woman in Mokoena, and her inspiring story of achievement.
“We hope the book will empower cancer patients and survivors,” said Mrwebi.
- Bookings cost R200 per person, and each person will receive a copy of Mokoena’s book. Booking is done on a first come first serve basis, given that the venue accommodates 120 people. To make a booking, call Charmaine Mrwebi on 071-557-3231.
