The second annual Muizenberg Literary Heritage Festival takes place at Rhodes Cottage in Muizenberg on 20, 21, 27 and 28 September 2025.

Join us for four fascinating talks, a travel writing workshop, a talk on Sir Herbert Baker’s connection to Muizenberg and a screening of a documentary on his South African period, have your historic map evaluated, and browse and purchase collectable books and books by Muizenberg authors.

On Saturday 20 September:

Serai Dowling weaves ecological insight with the layered histories of apartheid, colonialism and democracy in her exploration of the tidal pools of the Western Cape.

Finuala Dowling discusses the surprises and delights hidden in four literary excerpts from four centuries in her exploration of Muizenberg in Literature.

Mike Nicol talks about how Muizenberg influenced his choice of magic realism for The Powers That Be and the three other novels in that genre, and how it came to dominate his second crime series.

Miles Masterson speaks about surfing legend John Whitmore’s role in bringing Hawaiian Aloha and California beach culture to African shores, and his impact on a generation of surfers at Muizenberg.

On Sunday 21 September and Sunday 28 September:

Award winning author Dawn Garisch facilitates a two-day travel writing course. Garisch will lead participants on a voyage of discovery around the historic village and seaside resort of Muizenberg. 

On Saturday 27 September:

Brett McDougall explores renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker’s connections with Muizenberg, where he designed nine dwellings including his own holiday home, Sandhills. This will be followed by a free screening of a documentary on Baker’s South African period. 

On the weekend of Saturday 27 September and Sunday 28 September:

Dr Roger Stewart has curated a fascinating collection of books to browse and to buy, and will be speaking on antique maps of Southern Africa. Bring your historic map to him to be evaluated.

• Date: 20, 21, 27 and 28 September 2025
• Place: Rhodes Cottage, 246 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
• Booking: all events are listed under Muizenberg Heritage on www.quicket.co.za
• For more information: e-mail us on info@muizenbergheritage.com