The Puebla International Literature Festival has announced the withdrawal of South Africa’s designation as the Country-in-Focus for this year’s event. The decision, revealed in a statement, comes in response to recent xenophobic incidents in South Africa that have sent shockwaves through the global literary community.
Festival Director Ikenna Okeh stated that the organising committee made the difficult choice after careful deliberation.
“We cannot, in good conscience, honour a country as a focal point of our celebration when it is currently embroiled in such profound injustices,” Okeh explained.
The controversy stems from a series of events following the Miss South Africa beauty pageant, which has reportedly led to the victimisation of Chidimma Adetshina, her family, and members of Nigerian immigrant communities within South Africa. The festival organisers expressed deep concern over what they described as “a climate of mob rule” enabled by state apparatuses and the “troubling silence of many within the cultural sphere.”
This decision extends beyond the revocation of South Africa’s featured status, as all invitations to South African writers and guests have been rescinded. The move has sent ripples through the literary world, with many praising the festival’s stance while others question the impact on individual South African artists uninvolved in the controversy.
Okeh emphasised that the decision is not a rejection of South Africa’s rich literary heritage or its many talented writers. Instead, it serves as a statement against current affairs that contradict the festival’s core values of justice, equality, and human dignity.
The Puebla International Literature Festival, known for its celebration of diverse voices and ideas, aims to position itself as a platform for challenging the status quo and giving voice to the marginalised. Some committee members have personally witnessed the devastating effects of xenophobic narratives and mob actions on individuals and communities.
Despite this setback, the festival organisers have expressed their continued support for South African writers and thinkers working towards positive change. They view their decision as a necessary step to underscore the inseparable link between cultural recognition and ethical responsibility.
As the literary world grapples with this development, the Puebla Festival remains committed to fostering dialogue and understanding among nations. The organisers have called upon the global literary community to join them in reflecting on literature’s role in addressing contemporary challenges.
This unprecedented move highlights the growing intersection of cultural events and social justice issues, prompting discussions about the responsibilities of international festivals in responding to global concerns. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on South Africa’s response and the potential ripple effects across the literary landscape.
- Featured image: @DiegoChuene/X Source: Getty Images
