Festival Programme

Four days of literary excellence, artistic expression, and cultural celebration.

October 23, 2025


The Transformative Power of Arts and the STEAM Family
08:00 - 08:40
Arrival & Registration
All Delegates

08:40 - 08:50
Opening Protocols
Mr. M. Tekateka - Moderator

08:50 - 09:00
National & African Union Anthem

09:00 - 09:10
Official welcome
Dr. M.A. Maharaswa - St Francis Productions

09:10 - 09:20
Message of Support
Ms. N. Afrika - CUT Wellness

09:20 - 09:30
Entertainment

09:30 - 10:00
Keynote Address
Dr. Sujata Tiwari - Author, Entrepreneur & Social Justice Advocate, Singapore

Knowledge Exchange Sessions

10:00 - 11:00
Panel Discussions
Topic: highlighting the Transformative Power of Arts in Life and Careers
Dr. N. Masithela - Spiral Up Coaching
Mr. A.B. Raliile - Lesotho Authors Market
Mr. N. Ncube - Fidelity Print Mark Publishers, Botswana
Dr. J. Van Den Berg - Psychiatrist (TBC)
Dr. M. Matobako - Library Information Services


11:00 - 11:30
Tea/Coffee Break
Networking

11:30 - 12:30
Masterclasses
Topic: Recognising the Bond Within the STEAM Family
Mr. T. Mpekoa - WorldSkills Robotics Expert

12:30 - 12:35
Introduction of Dr. Felleng Yende, FP&M SETA CEO
Dr. M.A. Maharaswa - St Francis Productions

12:35 - 13:05
Presentation
Topic: Opportunities in the Publishing and Printing Industries
Dr. F. Yende - FP&M SETA CEO

13:05 - 14:05
Lunch Break
Networking

14:05 - 14:45
Presentation
Topic: The Significance of Language in the Preservation of Humanity
Dr. Taringa & Ms. N. Dube - Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

14:45 - 15:00
Entertainment

15:00 - 16:30
Writing Skills Workshop
Mr. T. Masolane - Acting Deputy Director: Language Services, Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (DSACR)

16:30 - 17:05
Closing Remarks
Mr. M. Tekateka - St Francis Productions Director

October 24, 2025


Literary Tour & Book Launch
09:30 - 10:00
Welcome & Orientation
Dignitaries and participants

10:00 - 10:30
Travel to First Tour Location
Dignitaries and participants

10:30 - 13:00
Literary Tour & 150 years of Adeleide Tambo Public Library Celebration

MEC of Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA)

13:00 - 14:00
Lunch Break
Networking

14:00 - 15:00
Masterclass
Topic: Artificial Intelligence Toolkit: A Non-Technical Guide for Using AI at Work
Dr. A Mutono - CEO: AILE Institute

15:00 - 16:50
Exhibition & Networking
Visual artists, Authors, Publishers, and Creative exhibitors

16:50 - 17:00
Vote of thanks

Ms N Afrika - CUT Wellness

17:00 - 18:00
Refresh & Regather
Delegates



Book Launch
18:00 - 18:30
Arrival canapes
All Delegates

18:30 - 18:40
Opening Remarks
National & African Union Anthem
Welcome Address
Cllr G Nthatisi; Mangaung Metro Executive Mayor
Reflections
Prof. Philippe Burger - Dean: Economic and Management Sciences, University of the Free State

18:40 - 18:45
Entertainment

18:45 - 18:50
Introduction of Author
Hon. D Mance - Free State MEC of Public Work and Infrustructure

18:50 - 19:00
Author's Address

Dr. Mathews Phosa

19:00 - 19:15
In Conversation with Dr. Mathews Phosa
Dr. M.A. Maharaswa

19:15 - 19:40
Audience Interactions with the Author

19:40 - 20:10
Dinner

20:10 - 20:30
Vote of Thanks & Group Photos
Ms. N.k. Maharaswa - St Francis Productions

October 25, 2025


Phaphama High School Debate Competition
07:30 - 08:00
Registration
Participating Schools

08:00 - 08:30
Welcome & Introduction
Opening remarks and outline of the day's structure

08:30 - 10:00
Round 1: Opening Debate
Teams face off in the first public debate

10:00 - 11:30
Round 2
Preparation Session & Debate Match

11:30 - 13:00
Round 3
Preparation Session & Debate Match

13:00 - 14:00
Lunch Break

14:30 - 16:00
Round 4
Preparation Session & Debate Match

16:00 - 17:00
Closing
Reflection, Acknowledgements & Prize Giving



Business Breakfast Talk
09:30 - 10:00
Arrival & Registration
All Delegates

10:00 - 10:05
Opening Protocols

Mrs. Pearl Lebusho

10:05 - 10:15
Introduction of Speaker of the Day

Dr. M.A. Maharaswa - St Francis Productions

10:15 - 11:30
Presentation

Topic: Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Mental Well-being Dr. Sujata Tiwari - Author, Entrepreneur & Social Justice Advocate, Singapore

11:30 - 12:00
Brunch

12:00 - 13:00
Narrative Therapy Session

Ms. Ncazelo Ncube - Mlilo: International Award-winning Narrative therapist

13:00 - 13:15
Closing Remarks
Ms. Nthutsoa Maharaswa - St Francis Productions