CAPE TOWN: A new intimate literary event series is coming to Cape Town this April, and it has a clear mission: to get the city’s most avid readers into the same room as the writers they should already know.
Chapter One pairs featured an emerging South African author with an audience of 30 carefully gathered book lovers for a thoughtful gathering of reading, conversation and meaningful connection. Each session includes a live author reading, a moderated question-and-answer session and refreshments hosted in a beautifully intimate setting.
The series launches on 26 April 2026 with its debut event, featuring Haji Mohamed Dawjee author of Here’s the Thing and Sorry Not Sorry.
Subsequent Chapter One events are planned to throughout the rest of the year, with each event shining a light on a different emerging voice from the South African literary landscape.
“I wanted to create an event that felt genuinely different – not a book signing, not a festival panel, but a real conversation between a writer and the readers who matter most to them. Chapter One is just that.” ~ Bongiwe Mosele-Magampa, Founder, Chapter One
WHAT MAKES CHAPTER ONE DIFFERENT
Unlike large literary festivals or traditional bookshop signings, Chapter One is built around intimacy.
With only limited seats available, every guest has the opportunity to ask questions directly, experience the nuance of a live reading up close, candid conversations and connection with fellow readers in a genuine way. It is more than an event. It’s a shared story waiting to unfold.
ABOUT THE SERIES
Series Name Chapter One
Format Intimate author evening — reading, Q&A, refreshments
Capacity 30 tickets per session
Location Cape Town (venue varies per session)
Ticket Price R250 per person. Early bird tickets available from the 2nd edition
Target Audience Book lovers / literary community
Focus Emerging and debut South African authors
Ticketing https://www.quicket.co.za/events/368320-chapter-one-an-evening-with-haji-mohamed-dawjee/?ref=events-list#/
ABOUT HAJI MOHAMED DAWJEE
The inaugural guest is award-winning writer and cultural commentator Haji Mohamed Dawjee, who will be discussing her bestselling book Here’s the Thing.
Haji currently serves as Head Global Copywriter at Virgin Active South Africa, leading conceptual and narrative strategy for both local and international campaigns.
Her career spans influential roles including:
- Social Media Editor and Digital Editor at Mail & Guardian
- Creative at Ogilvy Digital
- Programme Director for Impact Africa
She is also the creator of the acclaimed podcast Don’t Shoot The Messenger, recognised by Apple Podcasts as a top global show, and a recipient of multiple Bookmark Awards.
Haji is the author of:
- Sorry, Not Sorry (2018), longlisted for the Alan Paton Award
- Here’s the Thing (2022), a #1 bestselling book in South Africa
Her work has been featured on platforms including the BBC, Tortoise Media, the Sunday Times, and the International Centre for Journalists.
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