Newtown Junction brings magical Kiddies storytelling to the festive season and creates a space for you to share a book to help get SA reading again

Newtown Junction kicks off the festive season with a jam-packed programme of fun events at the Kiddie’s Market running from the 10 December to 18 December. There will music, games, dance and storytelling, with author, artist and storyteller Zanele Ndlovu bringing her special magic to the event.

Every day there will something wonderful happening at the Mall including; face painting, drum circles and games. Ndlovu will be hosting a storytelling ring on most days. Author of the isiZulu children’s book Umakhweyana, Ndlovu is a born storyteller. She has been taking listeners on imaginative journeys since she was nine years old, when she would tell stories to her aunts, uncles, cousins and her grandmother all gathered around the fire. On her book she has worked with the Legendary Gcina Mhlophe as the Editor and Charlotte Hill O’neal from Tanzania as her illustrator.

On the 6 December Ndlovu will host an instrument-making workshop using waste material, followed by a drum circle filled with the glorious sound of newly made music.

Newtown Junction Mall will also be proudly supporting Dr Gcina Mhlophe Nozincwadi: Mother of Books Project drive to collect books for poorly resourced schools in the townships and rural areas.

Starting on 1 December 2016, members of the public can bring children’s books, textbooks and business related books to a drop-off sat Newtown Junction Mall. One of the first beneficiaries of this drive will be the Abantu Book Fair taking place on 8, 9 and 10 December. For more information about the fair contact Nonto (Bongiswa Kota) Ramushwana (Molweni@abuntubookfestival.co.za).

Started in 2001 by Dr Mhlophe, the Nozincwadi: Mother of Books Project aims to introduce and encourage literacy and reading in schools across the country, while promoting South African authors and stories. The project has traveled around the country performing, sharing stories and emphasising the importance of literacy in today’s world.

The Newtown Junction Mall is based in the heart of the Newtown precinct. It offers visitors a wide range of shopping options with both the large retailers and smaller specialty shops available. There is a Ster Kinekor cinema and the mall is in close proximity to the Market Theatre. With over 16 different restaurants and eateries, including The Potato Sheds, Capellos, News Cafe and Philly Cheesesteak, Newtown Junction caters to all tastes and pockets.

There are regular events and performances taking place including Hip Hop Junction and kiddies entertainment. Newtown Junction mall offers safe underground parking with over 2400 parking bays with fixed prices in the evenings and on weekends.

Newtown Junction events December 2016