The Knysna Literary Festival ensured the impact of the book lovers festival spanned much further than the three-day event, through the sponsorship of eight bursaries to impoverished pupils from the area.
The festival entertained book lovers and critical thinkers alike from March 8 to 10.
Authors and speakers descended on Knysna to entertain reading enthusiasts on topics including current affairs, poaching, food and wine and even Springbok rugby.
More than 1,600 people attended 10 events over the three-day festival, which founder and sponsor Ling Dobson, from Pam Golding Properties Knysna & Plett, described as the “most wonderful journey of emotions for South Africans”.
In addition to drawing the crowds, the festival also was instrumental in acquiring four school bursaries for previously disadvantaged pupils, and also contributed to their attending creative writing workshops during the year.
Dobson said their dream and hope for the festival had always been to stimulate and create a proud legacy of pupils who benefited from the event.
“The importance of education comes up time after time in the panel discussions we facilitate and it is clear that this is a key focus area if we want to change the future of SA for the better,” Dobson said.
“We need to understand and respect, where we are at the moment in our country, what is motivating us, what is exciting and what makes us South Africa.”
Sanlam Private Wealth, a keen sponsor of the Literary Festival for the last three years, announced on the last day of the festival that they would sponsor two bursaries.
Sanlam Private Wealth senior portfolio manager Humphrey Price said they believed investing in education was an investment in the future of SA.
“Over the last three days we have been challenged to look at how we can make a difference, each in our own way, and this I believe is a step in the right direction,” Price said.
Two more bursaries were pledged by private individuals, and another sponsorship was received after the festival towards the creative writing workshops that will take place later in 2019.
To date, more than 3,000 pupils have taken part in workshops and competitions.
“Our aim with these is to encourage a love for reading and writing, and ultimately improve literacy,” Dobson said.
Grade 11 Percy Mdlala pupils were also treated to a talk by well-known South African travel writer Sihle Khumalo.
He told them to pursue their dreams.
“When you go home this afternoon, think it through.
“It is not going to be easy, I can tell you now.
“There will be challenges to face but you owe it to yourself, and when it comes from within, you can do it,” he said at the time.
“Follow your dreams. “We need young people to do bigger things than they are doing at the moment, so that our children can live in a better world. Tell your own story!”