Finding story and soul

A first encounter with Kingsmead Book Fair, where community and unexpected joy come together in celebration of literature

- Lesego Chepape

I underestimated the extent to which Johannesburg’s Kingsmead Book Fair is revered. Honestly, I did. I thought I’d arrive, park with ease, grab a quick coffee and stroll into a modest school event.

Instead, I circled like an anxious Uber driver, finally parking a few streets down and weaving my way towards the gates, grumbling.

There was a steady, almost ritual-like, stream of people making their way to the school — young, old, families, friends, lovers of words. And I had to remind myself — this is my first time. I must keep an open mind.

Kingsmead College, nestled quietly in Rosebank, didn’t look like the kind of place that could transform into a buzzing cultural hub. But that Saturday, it did. And not just any buzz — it was electric, inviting and joyful.

People came in numbers. More than I expected. And I was genuinely surprised, perhaps even moved, by how many still enjoy good old literature in a world of reels, swipes and 10-second dopamine hits.

As I made my way through the entrance, dodging enthusiastic children and chatty clusters of adults, I tried not to be distracted by the enticing aromas coming from the food court. The food trucks and stalls were so perfectly placed you'd swear it was a festival more than a book fair.

I considered giving in to the aroma of sizzling boerie rolls but instead made it my mission to walk around, to understand what it is that pulls people here. Why would anyone willingly choose to spend their Saturday at a school?