KNYSNA NEWS - Hundreds of literary enthusiasts were once again treated to insightful and meaningful talks at this year's Knysna Literary Festival, the 11th edition thereof, which took place from 6 to 8 March last weekend.
The Knysna Literary Festival was held for the first time in 2010 and has over the years grown significantly to the point where it has become a highlight on any and every local bookworm's calendar.
With a total of 11 events lined up enthusiasts once again flocked to the various locations as most of the talks and presentations were sold out.
Among the events were intriguing talks from a variety of individuals, such as former minister Ronnie Kasrils who took the audience on a ride through his childhood and explained what made him give up privilege to take up arms, join the liberation struggle and spend 27 years in exile fighting the apartheid government. After Kasrils wowed the crowd, the next highlight of the weekend was a talk by Adriaan Basson, Qaanitah Hunter and Pieter du Toit about the current political and socioeconomic climate.
From there, all eyes and everyone's attention shifted to a double slot for Mandy Weiner and Du Toit at the Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa where they interestingly discussed Stellenbosch's "club of billionaires". Weiner then reappeared for the last time on Sunday at 09:00 for a chat with author Mandla Langa who, using Nelson Mandela's unfinished draft, documented the story of Mandela's presidential years.
After this talk, attendants at the Premier Resort Hotel The Moorings were taken on a wild adventure ride as extreme endurance adventurer Peter van Kets shared tales of his many wonderfully insane escapades around the globe. Van Kets kept the audience intrigued from start to finish, with many a laugh shared at his at-times-comical outlook on the challenges he faced during his various adventures.
The weekend was fittingly finished off by a "Chef's Playdate" at Ile de Pain on Sunday, sending everyone who was lucky enough to grab a ticket, home with a smile, a full stomach, an some must-try food ideas.
Anthea Gardner provided interesting insight into how artificial intelligence could affect the financial market.
Chris Holdsworth's experience as an investment strategist provided the crowd with needed insight into financial strategies.
Pam Golding Knysna/Plettenberg Bay principal Gordon Shutte opens up the Money Matters talk.
Ivo Vegters opens up the Money Matters talk on Day 2 of the festival.
Anthea Gardner, Chris Holdsworth, and Ivo Vegtre during their Money Matters talk. Photos: Blake Linder
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