Cape to KwaNojoli: A three-day Creative Writing Workshop

At the end of last year, the Jakes Gerwel Foundation (JGF), in collaboration with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), invited emerging poets and prose writers to apply for the first-ever Cape to KwaNojoli Creative Writing Workshop. This three-day workshop ran from 15 to 17 January and was made possible by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.

Day 1: Thursday, 15 January

Eager participants were warmly welcomed on the first day of the workshop by JGF executive director, Theo Kemp, and CPUT lecturer, Dr Earl-Ray Basson, at the CPUT Mowbray Campus. 

The first session kicked off with guest speaker, Gaireyah Fredericks, participant in the 2023 PEN it Down programme and author of the award-winning short story collection, Een voet innie kabr. Fredericks encouraged the participants to write authentically by building up their sensory inventory with a mind that notices and reflects. She ended her session by stating that “authenticity is based on what you experience” and that readers will relate to the things you hear, taste, smell and feel.

The following two sessions were presented by CPUT lecturers Sibongile Xamlashe and Andile Ngidi on ‘Understanding Creativity as Craft’ and Dr Alettie van den Heever on ‘Abstract vs Concrete Writing’. The first introductory session gave a brief overview of the fundamentals of creative writing. Xamlashe and Ngidi also pointed out the differences between the drafting and revision stages in the writing process.

“Writing is not only talent, it can be learned through practice.” – Andile Ngidi

Dr Alettie van den Heever followed up by giving the participants practical examples and writing exercises to explore the difference between abstract and concrete writing. The participants continued with a writing session after lunch, where they divided into different language groups for some writing prompts and sprints.

Day 2: Friday, 16 January

On day two of the Creative Writing Workshop, Andile Ngidi started the group off with an ice-breaker – an exercise with blackout poetry, followed by Dr Alettie van den Heever talking about the ‘Writer as Reader’. Dr Van den Heever encouraged the participants to read examples of the genres they want to write in and works aimed at their ideal readers. She also gave practical advice on giving and receiving feedback.

The group then had the privilege of meeting Mariza Steyn and Riette Botma from Shuter & Shooter Publishers. They shared some insights into the publishing world of Children’s and Youth Literature. From what titles are currently listed on the DBE National Literature Catalogue, to tips on what to keep in mind when writing for children.  

After a short tea and coffee break, poet, freelance editor and JGF mentor, Fourie Botha, shared some of his valuable and honest experience as a publisher-writer. Answering questions from participants on the writing process, editing and revision, how writers stay motivated and what to know when submitting your manuscript. The most prominent piece of advice that Botha gave the participants is that “writers have to write”, whether your work is going to be published or not.

Day two concluded with the participants’ first peer review, where they received feedback from their fellow participants and a facilitating lecturer on the manuscript and poetry they had submitted during their application.

Day 3: Saturday, 17 January 

The last and final day of the Cape to KwaNojoli Creative Writing Workshop continued with the participants’ second peer review. This constructive feedback session was followed up by an interesting and motivating panel discussion: ‘The Writing Life’. The panel consisted of Dr Xolisa Guzula, Faeed Amardien and Stevlyn Vermeulen, moderated by one of the JGF Bosberg Book Writing mentors, Suzette Kotzé-Myburgh.

During this panel discussion, Dr Xolisa Guzula shared her passion for translating well-known children’s literature into African languages. Not just through the translation of the language itself, but also by making it authentic to the South-African/African context. She also encouraged writers to write in their home languages and to seek opportunities to contribute to their languages through literature. 

Writer and participant in the 2023 Bosberg Book Writing programme, Faeed Amardien, shared his experience writing his debut novel, Life is ’n biets, and what it means to be a writer.

“You are a writer when you write.” – Faeed Amardien

Lastly, but not least, Stevlyn Vermeulen shared her experience and insight working as an editor at NB Publishers. Which allowed the emerging writers at the workshop to get a better understanding of all the work that goes into publishing and finishing a book. She also emphasised the importance of revision, stating that “there is no good writing, only good re-writing”.

The three-day workshop came to a close with Theo Kemp and Earl-Ray Basson presenting a Certification of Completion to all the Cape to KwaNojoli Creative Writing participants. 

Thank you

We at the Jakes Gerwel Foundation would like to thank every presenter, facilitator and moderator for their time and willingness to share their knowledge and experience with our participants. A special thanks goes to the staff at Cape Peninsula University of Technology and everyone who worked behind the scenes in order to make this three-day creative writing workshop a success. We would also like to thank the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport; without their support, this project would not have been possible. 

Lastly, to all our emerging writers, thank you for being eager to learn and tell your stories. We look forward to what you will bring to the page. Happy writing!

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“’n Saad is geplant, wat ek elke dag benat, my storie nou meer oorspronklik en eg, met nuwe lewe van emosies, gevoelens en al die sintuie wat saam speel, hoera ek het my storie vertel stem gevind.  Lees nou soveel en so wyd as moontlik.  My storie struktuur, karakters en hoe dit alles ontwikkel en die bewuswording van goeie skryfwerk neem tyd!” – Lorraine Lank

“The Cape to KwaNojoli Workshop at the Mowbray campus was a profound milestone in my writing journey. I am deeply grateful to the Jakes Gerwel Foundation for creating an inclusive space where my blindness was never a burden, and where I was celebrated purely as an author.” – Tania Joubert

Dit was soveel meer as wat my verwangting was,ek het daar in geloop die eerste dag met ń “blank mind” maar wow oh wow inspired was ek to the max.Ek het voorheen baie gesukkel met selfvertroue wanner dit kom by dinge wat ek wil aanpak maar om omring te wees met mense by wie ek kon leer en advies kry het my mindset heeltemal geshift. Ek was so gemotiveerd deur die werkswinkel dat ek dit my missie gaan maak om eendag nie baie vêr van nou af nie ook ń draai te maak by die beroemde Paulet Huis om net nog meer gevoed te word want mens kan nie anders as om better en better te raak in die teenwoordigheid van greates nie. Ek hoop om in die toekoms weer en meer werkswinkels by te woon en soedoende my talent van skryf op te skerp. – Grace Pienaar

Hierdie werkswinkel was my motivering en inspirasie dat my droom kan verwenslik word, dat ek oor die potensiaal beskik om ‘n skrywer te wees met my boek op die rakke, om ‘n verskil te maak in my gemeenskap en my mense te wys jou drome kan bewaarheid word. Ek is dankbaar dat ek gekies was as een van die deelnemers van hierdie besonderse geleentheid. Die Jakes Gerwel Stigting het met die werkswinkel ‘n nuwe wêreld vir my oopgemaak en dit sal altyd die dryfkrag wees dat ek moet nie ophou voor ek nie gekom het waar ek moet wees nie. – Abigail Jelander

“A moment to realise and release what the pen has been holding forever. a time for a paper and a pen to communicate emotions and thoughts, painted the white with knowledge and experiences. Oh, what a time to bleed no blood and sweat no sweat!” – Tlotlisang David Mhlambiso

“Attending the Cape to KwaNonjoli writing retreat was a transformative experience that reignited my passion for storytelling and helped me tap into the core of why I started writing in the first place. The serene surroundings, coupled with insightful workshops and meaningful interactions with fellow writers, sparked a deeper understanding of my narrative voice and the stories I want to tell. As I reflected on my journey, I gained clarity on what drives me to put pen to paper, and it solidified my commitment to continue crafting stories that resonate with others. The retreat was more than just a getaway – it was a catalyst for growth and a reminder of the power of storytelling.” – Kona Magida