Meet Your Favourite Authors at the Franschhoek Literary Festival

The Franschhoek Literary Festival is back and bigger than ever, bringing a weekend of award-winning storytelling and bold conversations to the Franschhoek Valley from 15-17 May.

The 2026 edition features a lineup of international and local authors to discuss topics across the literary world, alongside a specially curated Family Day to inspire readers of all ages. With over 121 sessions across 3 days, set in the scenic Franschhoek Valley, the festival has something for every genre of booklover.

Each day features talks from award-winning authors from across the globe. Here are just a few:

International Headliners

Peter Frankopan

Internationally renowned historian whose sweeping global narratives, including The Silk Roads, have reshaped the way we understand world history. The sequel, The New Silk Roads: The Present and Future of the World, was published by Bloomsbury in 2018.

Charlie Mackesy

Artist, illustrator and author of the global bestseller The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, which won several prizes at the Bestseller Awards in 2020. His work has been featured in all sorts of media, and he personally collaborated with Nelson Mandela for his Unity series of drawings.

Tan Twan Eng

Malaysian novelist known for his prose and historical storytelling. His 2012 book, The Garden of Evening Mists, was shortlisted for a Booker Prize.

Alka Joshi

Author of the New York Times’ Bestseller The Henna Artist and its two sequels. Her latest work, Six Days in Bombay, was published in 2025.

Rémy Ngamije

His debut novel, The Eternal Audience of One, received international recognition, including the inaugural African Literary Award from the Museum of the African Diaspora. His latest collection, Only Stars Know The Meaning Of Space, was published in 2024.

Local Highlights

Deon Meyer

Born in Paarl, Deon Meyer is one of South Africa’s most celebrated crime writers. A former journalist and communications specialist, he is now a full-time author whose novels have been translated into more than 25 languages and have earned numerous international awards.

Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen

South Africa’s first Michelin-starred chef, he is the restaurateur and writer behind acclaimed establishments including JAN in Nice and JAN Franschhoek. He has published sixteen volumes of JAN the Journal, and several cookbooks, including his latest, JAN Voyage Cookbook, inspired by his culinary journeys through Italy and France.

Thebe Ikalafeng

The author of Rooted and Rising, Thebe Ikalafeng, is an African branding authority. He is the founder of BLG, a multidisciplinary advisory group, and of the seminal non-profit Brand Africa, which annually publishes its ranking of the best African brands and places in African Business Magazine.

Sally Andrew

Internationally bestselling author of the beloved Tannie Maria mystery series, set in the small Karoo town of Ladismith. Andrew’s latest Tannie Maria adventure, Wild Things Never Die, will be published in April.

Justice Malala

Award-winning political analyst, author and broadcaster, Justice Malala is one of South Africa’s foremost commentators on democracy and governance. A former newspaper editor and columnist, he is the author of We Have Now Begun Our Descent and The Plot to Save South Africa, offering analysis of the country’s political landscape.

Family Day

This year, Franschhoek Literary Festival is debuting its Family Day celebration on Saturday, 16 May. Made for readers of all ages, the day will feature colourful events tailored for little ones, as well as serious discussions on family life for the parents in the audience.

Real Parenting in 2026: What’s changed – and what still matters

Dr Claudia Gray (Real Parenting & Paediatrics) and Craig Wilkinson (Force for Good) sit down with Pippa Hudson to unpack how modern parenting has become more complex than ever, and the values that remain important no matter what.

Stories That Shine with Refiloe Moahloli

Celebrated children’s author Refiloe Moahloli (How Many Ways Can You Say Hello?) gives a joyful family storytelling session, reminding young readers that their voices, dreams and stories matter.

Gcina Mhlophe: Mother of books

Storyteller and author of Thokozani the Eland, Gcina Mhlope, brings beloved African tales to life, weaving poetry and song into an experience that invites little ones to fall in love with books.

Big Dreams, Big Adventures

Sharing stories from his real-life expeditions and the children’s books inspired by them, explorer Riaan Manser guides audiences on a journey across oceans, tundras, and deserts with his storytelling.

Ready, Set, Draw: Live Drawing With Alex Latimer

Author and illustrator Alex Latimer (Gordon the Meanest Goose on Earth and The Duck Never Blinks) brings his characters to life in a live-drawing demo. Attendees are encouraged to bring pencils, paper, their imagination, and follow along.

There are tons more experiences to be found at the festival. From chats with artist icon Zapiro to several conversations unpacking the effect of AI on the literary world, the programme is filled with activities for devoted bibliophiles and first-timers alike.

Through the ongoing work of the FLF School Reading Programme, the festival continues to support and encourage literacy development and access to books for learners in the valley.