@pensouthafrica.bsky.social
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We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our great poets and storytellers, Diana Ferrus. Listen to Ferrus discuss how she came to write her iconic poem about Sarah Baartman, “I’ve come to take you home”, in this short BBC podcast:
www.bbc.com/audio/play/w...
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BBC Audio | Witness History | Sarah Baartman's 200-year journey back home
The campaign to return Sarah Baartman to South Africa nearly 200 years after her death
https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/w3ct5ypd
6 days ago
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The Jakes Gerwel Foundation, PEN Afrikaans, and PEN South Africa invite writers and poets to apply for a writers’ residency that guarantees uninterrupted writing time in the creative and inspiring space of Paulet House. Click on the link for more information:
jgf.org.za/event/pen-it...
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PEN it Down Writers’ Residency - The Jakes Gerwel Foundation
Application deadline: 30 January 2026 Applications for next year's PEN it Down residency is open! PEN is an international organisation that protects and promotes writers’ rights worldwide. With the PE...
https://jgf.org.za/event/pen-it-down-writers-residency/
19 days ago
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Please sign this letter of solidarity, in support of Gabrielle Goliath. Her work of art, Elegy, which was meant to be submitted to the 61st Venice Biennale, was recently withdrawn by the minister of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie:
forms.gle/pmzx2Fdqb3QT...
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Solidarity with Gabrielle Goliath
Statement in response to the minister of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, cancelling Elegy by Gabrielle Goliath
https://forms.gle/pmzx2Fdqb3QTamoC8
21 days ago
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Read “The South African Pavilion is betraying its own history” - on Gayton McKenzie’s decision to withdraw South Africa’s Pavilion selection for the 61st Venice Biennale - by Christina Sharpe and Rinado Walcott here:
hyperallergic.com/the-south-af...
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The South African Pavilion Is Betraying Its Own History
The same government that has held Israel accountable for its genocide in Gaza must revoke its culture minister’s decision to axe the Venice Biennale performance.
https://hyperallergic.com/the-south-african-pavilion-is-betraying-its-own-history/
21 days ago
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And see this same statement - about Gayton McKenzie’s withdrawal of South Africa’s submission to the 61st Venice Biennale - in Afrikaans here:
penafrikaans.org.za/gesamentlike...
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Gesamentlike verklaring deur PEN South Africa en PEN Afrikaans oor die kansellasie van Suid-Afrika se Venesiese Biënnale-inskrywing | PEN Afrikaans
PEN South Africa en PEN Afrikaans is uiters ontsteld oor die onlangse besluit van die minister van sport, kuns en kultuur, mnr. Gayton McKenzie, om die inskrywing van die werk wat aangewys is om Suid-...
https://penafrikaans.org.za/gesamentlike-verklaring-deur-pen-south-africa-en-pen-afrikaans-oor-die-kansellasie-van-suid-afrika-se-venesiese-biennale-inskrywing/
23 days ago
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See our joint statement with PEN Afrikaans condemning Gayton McKenzie’s decision to withdraw South Africa’s submission to the 61st Venice Biennale - Elegy by renowned artist Gabrielle Goliath - because of its allusions to the Gaza genocide:
penafrikaans.org.za/joint-statem...
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Joint Statement by PEN South Africa and PEN Afrikaans on the Cancellation of South Africa’s Venice Biennale Submission | PEN Afrikaans
PEN South Africa and PEN Afrikaans are deeply disturbed by the recent decision of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, to cancel the work selected to represent South Africa at ...
https://penafrikaans.org.za/joint-statement-by-pen-south-africa-and-pen-afrikaans-on-the-cancellation-of-south-africas-venice-biennale-submission/
23 days ago
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reposted by
PEN International
3 months ago
#Iran
: PEN International is deeply concerned about the enforced disappearance of Iranian writers Shirin Karimi, Mahsa Assadollahnejad, Mohammad Maljoo & Parviz Sedaghat. We urge authorities to reveal their whereabouts and end the crackdown on writers. Read more ⬇️
www.fidh.org/en/region/as...
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Iran: End latest crackdown on civil society, freedom of expression
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its member organisation League for the Defence of Human Rights in Iran (LDDHI) condemn (…)
https://www.fidh.org/en/region/asia/iran/iran-end-latest-crackdown-on-civil-society-freedom-of-expression
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reposted by
PEN International
3 months ago
#Algeria
: We condemn the 5-year prison sentence against poet
#MohamedTadjadit
for his poetry and peaceful activism. Tadjadit will be featured in our
#DayoftheImprisonedWriter
campaign launching Sat 15 Nov. Join us to help free him. Read more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/joint-s...
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Algeria: Joint statement demands immediate release of Algerian Hirak poet Mohamed Tadjadit risking a death penalty sentence ahead of November 11 hearing — PEN International | Promoting Literature & De...
10 November 2025: PEN International joins 19 Algerian, regional, and international organisations in calling for the immediate release of Algerian Hirak poet and activist Mohamed Tadjadit, who faces ba...
https://www.pen-international.org/news/joint-statement-demands-immediate-release-of-algerian-hirak-poet-mohamed-tadjadit-risking-a-death-penalty-sentence-ahead-of-november-11-hearing
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reposted by
PEN International
3 months ago
CC:
@penamericas.bsky.social
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reposted by
PEN International
3 months ago
PEN International welcomes the release of French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal, granted a humanitarian pardon after a year in prison. We reaffirm our call for all writers to be free to express themselves without fear.
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
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Algeria to pardon French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal
Algeria accepted a German proposal to pardon French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, the presidency said Wednesday, adding that he was being transferred to Germany for medical treatment after a year in...
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251112-algeria-pardons-writer-boualem-sansal
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reposted by
PEN International
3 months ago
From the frontlines of war to the tightening grip of authoritarianism, this panel will examine how conflict and repression collide to threaten freedom of expression worldwide. As part of the “International Imprisonment and War” conference, join us this Friday:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-pr...
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reposted by
PEN International
3 months ago
#Algeria
: We've joined 19 organisations in calling for the release of Algerian poet and upcoming Day of the Imprisoned Writer case
#MohamedTadjadit
ahead of upcoming court dates. All charges must be dropped, and he must be released. Learn more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/joint-s...
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Joint statement demands immediate release of Algerian Hirak poet Mohamed Tadjadit risking a death penalty sentence ahead of November 11 hearing — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending ...
10 November 2025: PEN International joins 19 Algerian, regional, and international organisations in calling for the immediate release of Algerian Hirak poet and activist Mohamed Tadjadit, who faces ba...
https://www.pen-international.org/news/joint-statement-demands-immediate-release-of-algerian-hirak-poet-mohamed-tadjadit-risking-a-death-penalty-sentence-ahead-of-november-11-hearing
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reposted by
PEN International
3 months ago
#Cuba
: Writer José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez has spent 1 year in prison for his words. Accused of “public disorder,” he faces up to 6 years. The Patmos Award 2025 honoured him and his late mother for their dedication to free expression. We call for his immediate release.
@penamericas.bsky.social
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
PEN International - Las Américas y El Caribe
3 months ago
#Cuba
. José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez cumplió un año en prisión el 8 de noviembre pasado. PEN Internacional reitera sus llamados a las autoridades cubanas y exige su liberación inmediata. Su detención y persecución evidencian los esfuerzos del gobierno por silenciar toda disidencia.
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reposted by
PEN International
3 months ago
#Georgia
: We urge the release of writers and artists detained following new restrictions on public gatherings and call upon the international community to hold the authorities accountable for their human rights violations. Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/georgia...
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Georgia: Latest wave of arrests condemned — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘The Georgian people have the right to peacefully assemble to demand change, yet the authorities are clearly determined to suppress fundamental rights and dissent. We stand with the many writers and a...
https://www.pen-international.org/news/georgia-latest-wave-of-arrests-condemned
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reposted by
PEN International
3 months ago
"Ekinci is guilty of nothing but daring to be a writer in today’s
#Türkiye
.” We welcome the dismissal of the case against
@yavuzekinci.bsky.social
and urge the authorities to uphold the freedom to create for all.
www.pen-international.org/news/trkiye-...
.
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Türkiye: Writer Yavuz Ekinci on trial again as spurious terror-propaganda case resumes — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘That Kurdish writer Yavuz Ekinci finds himself in court again for his writings after the case against him was dismissed exposes the authorities of Türkiye’s pernicious pursuit of those who dare explo...
https://www.pen-international.org/news/trkiye-writer-yavuz-ekinci-on-trial-again-as-spurious-terror-propaganda-case-resumes
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reposted by
PEN International
3 months ago
#DayoftheImprisonedWriter
is nearly here! From 15 Nov–10 Dec, we’ll highlight four writers jailed for speaking out: Rory Branker, Yalqun Rozi, Mohamed Tadjadit and Mzia Amaglobeli. Join us to call for their release!
#DayoftheImprisonedWriter
#RoryBranker
#YalqunRozi
#MohamedTadjadit
#MziaAmaglobeli
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We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our great writers, Zoë Wicomb. Read a piece about her work on Africa is a Country here:
africasacountry.com/2017/03/the-...
(Our sincere apologies about a previous version of this post that erroneously referred to the piece as Wicomb’s)
4 months ago
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If you would like your name to be added to our list of signatories, please email
[email protected]
add a skeleton here at some point
4 months ago
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PEN South Africa wishes to express solidarity with, and admiration for, the courageous individuals who have joined the Global Sumud Flotilla.
4 months ago
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reposted by
PEN International
4 months ago
24 hours left to support our campaign and help protect persecuted writers. In 2025, threats to writers are more urgent than ever. Across the globe, voices are being silenced, and your support today can offer the protection they desperately need.
www.justgiving.com/campaign/sum...
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reposted by
PEN International
5 months ago
#Ukraine
: Citizen journalist & HRD Iryna Danylovych was abducted in Crimea in 2022 & sentenced to 7 years on fabricated charges. She’s faced torture & denied medical care, causing permanent hearing loss. PEN International calls for her immediate release.
#EmptyChair
#Congress25
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PEN International
5 months ago
#Mexico
: At its International Congress in Krakow, PEN condemns the legal harassment of Penguin Random House in Mexico. This attack undermines books & their authors, setting a dangerous precedent for editorial freedom and free speech. Read more ⬇️
www.facebook.com/peninternati...
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PEN International
#Mexico: At its International Congress in Krakow, PEN condemns the legal harassment of Penguin Random House in Mexico. This attack undermines books & their authors, setting a dangerous precedent for.....
https://www.facebook.com/peninternational/posts/pfbid02gXHgzBxMwRBhKTX3toQQ6YU7qdVWRYtzMywTaJoB7dFAuft6EsG9QpyJKQpdb4odl
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Please join us this Thursday at 17.00 SAST for the last event in our ‘Writing in Troubled Times’ series. We will be in conversation with Tetyana Teren about Victoria Amelina’s posthumously published work, Looking at Women Looking at War. As always, RSVP at
[email protected]
for the Zoom link.
6 months ago
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Leila Aboulela, one of the contributors to the upcoming Literary Sudans instalment of our ‘Writing in Troubled Times’ series, has recently won the PEN Pinter Prize for her “writing on migration, faith and the lives of women”. Congratulations, Leila!
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/j...
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Leila Aboulela wins PEN Pinter prize for writing on migration and faith
Judges praised the Sudanese author for centring Muslim women, describing her writing as “a balm, a shelter, and an inspiration”
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jul/09/leila-aboulela-wins-pen-pinter-prize-sudanese-writer-muslim-women
6 months ago
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Please join us this Thursday at 17:00 SAST for the penultimate instalment of our ‘Writing in Troubled Times’ series. This week we’ll be engaging with several contributors to Literary Sudans, an anthology edited by Bhakti Shringarpure. As always, RSVP for the Zoom link at
[email protected]
6 months ago
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The Jakes Gerwel Foundation presents the Brussels tot Karoo residency for Flemish and South African writers. The goal is to grant writers 3 weeks of uninterrupted time to work on a manuscript - in any genre. Please email
[email protected]
for more information, or apply at the link shown in the poster.
6 months ago
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Please join us this coming Thursday at 17:00 SAST for our next instalment of our ‘Writing in Troubled Times’ series. Contributors to the anthology Insurgent Feminisms: Writing War - edited by Bhakti Shringarpure - will be reading their work. RSVP for the Zoom link at
[email protected]
6 months ago
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youtu.be/RXXTXQwMdew
Click the link to watch the preview of The Art of Exile, which we are screening at Bertha House this coming Wednesday at 17.00. As always, please RSVP at
[email protected]
to secure your place. Entrance is free!
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The Art Of Exile Trailer with open captions
YouTube video by New Day Films
https://youtu.be/RXXTXQwMdew
6 months ago
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Please join us this coming Wednesday at 17.00 for a screening of The Art of Exile by Dara Kell and Veena Rao. The screening will be hosted by Bertha House. Their address is 67 Main Road, Mowbray. Entrance is free.
6 months ago
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Please join us virtually this Thursday for a conversation with Athol Williams! RSVP at
[email protected]
for the Zoom link.
6 months ago
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Please join us tomorrow at 17:00 SAST for the second instalment of our Writing in Troubled Times series! C.A. Davids will be in conversation with Nathi Ngubane about his educational colouring books, From the River to the Sea and Malcolm X in Gaza. RSVP:
[email protected]
7 months ago
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Please join us this coming Tuesday at 17:00 SAST for the second instalment of our Writing in Troubled Times series! C.A. Davids will be in conversation with Nathi Ngubane ahout his educational colouring books, From the River to the Sea and Malcolm X in Gaza. RSVP:
[email protected]
7 months ago
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Please join us tomorrow evening for a reading in solidarity with Gaza; RSVP for the Zoom link at
[email protected]
7 months ago
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