Langalakhe Mabena
Preparations for the third edition of the Harare Book Festival slated for 19 October at The Garden in Newlands are going on smoothly with the organisers stating that they are ready to host one of the country’s biggest book fair.
Some of the esteemed writers who confirmed to participate include Togara Muzanenhamo, Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu, Sue Nyati, Aaron Chiundura Moyo, Tinashe Muchuri, Beaton Mabaso, Rutendo Chichaya, David Bene, Sista Zai, Pauline Chirata Mukondiwa, Pamela Phiri, Clive Mono Mukundu, Sylvia Sanyanga, Fungai Chigumbura, Nomsa Mpambo and Dawne Chimba.
The 2024 edition will feature a new format that will elevate the festival to global standards reflecting the hard work and dedication from the organisers and partners of the festival.
The extravaganza will include panel discussions, readings, a possible workshop, performance poetry, music and an author inspirational retreat in the Eastern Highlands.
“This year we are grateful to our partners, Fastjet, Cresta Hotel, Ruparara Lodge, The Garden, Carnelian Heart Publishers, NyashaMusaGrace, Book Fantastics and most importantly, always, all the writers who are dedicating their time and knowledge to the festival. Without them the festival would be non-existent,” said Brain Garusa who is one of the organisers.
The Harare Book Festival was created in 2021.
Three young men in the names of Allen Kudzashe Mwanyekondo, Derek Sibanda and Brain Garusa – were joined by the love for African literature and they started having conversations on what kind of a literary space they wanted to see in Zimbabwe. They then created the festival.



