The Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg is hosting film, art, language and literature events throughout the month of May with the aim of sharing and nurturing various important forms of cultural exchange. Here’s all you need to know about the event schedule.
What does the Goethe-Institut do?
The Goethe-Institut aims to cultivate international and local cultural exchange through the arts, sciences and languages. With over 100 institutes worldwide, and 14 in the sub-Saharan region, including the one in Johannesburg, the Goethe-Institut is committed to fostering transnational diversity, understanding and trust.
The Johannesburg institute’s Language department offers German lessons in the Goethe-Institut and otherwise, supporting German teachers in the country and working closely with the South African Department of Education.
Their Library and Information Department works in partnership with libraries and other institutions involved in book and reading promotion in South Africa and encourages exchanges between information specialists and publishers in South Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Germany.
And their Cultural Programmes Department focuses on a variety of different artistic approaches from the visual arts to drama, dance, literature, film, and others to support the local cultural scenes and strengthen pan-African dialogue through the arts.
The Goethe-Institut’s May programme:
Word N Sound Poetry League
The iconic bi-monthly Word N Sound Poetry League platform invites seasoned poets and newcomers to battle it out, accumulate points, and aim for the grand finale in November. Interested poets must arrive early at Goethe-Institut on Saturday, 1 March and register by adding their names to the list. Entrants get 5 minutes on stage, and a panel of their peers will score their performance.
The winner of the night takes home a cash prize, but every point earned counts toward qualifying for the final showdown in November, where the 2025 Word N Sound Poetry League Champion will be crowned.
Following the launch on 1 March, the season schedule continues as follows:
- Round 2 – 3 May
- Round 3 – 5 July
- Round 4 – 6 September
- Final Showdown – 1 November
Cost: R50 entry
When: Round 2— Saturday, 3 May 2025 from 12pm to 5pm. Runs until 1 November 2025
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Gamedev Meetup
Join the largest game developers meetup in South Africa.
Every second Thursday of every month, join the Goethe-Institut for talks, game showcases, networking with other game developers, and playtesting. Refreshments are also served.
Cost: FREE entry
When: Thursday, 8 May 2025 from 6.30pm to 9pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
AFRO-Freedom Book Club Meet-up
The AFRO-Freedom Book Club is a public gathering that celebrates Afrikan writers, aiming to spark dialogue and civic engagement within the community. This club is a fantastic space for Afro-centric, creative, opinionated, and open-minded individuals, and the meetups take place on the second Wednesday of each month. Anyone can join in, regardless of whether they’ve read the book or not.
The book selection for May is Ndima Ndima by Tsitsi Mapepa. From the red soil of her garden in Southgate 1, a crowded suburb of Harare, Nyeredzi watches the world. She knows not to venture beyond the grasses that fence them off from the bush, where the city’s violent criminals and young lovers claim the night. But on this red soil, she is sovereign. It is here where Nyeredzi and her three older sisters are raised, and where they will each find a different destiny.
The monthly book selection is shared via the mailing list and on social media (Facebook and Instagram). Feel free to contact [email protected] if you’d like to be added to the mailing list or if you’d like to share ideas or collaborate with the book club.
Cost: FREE entry
When: Wednesday, 14 May 2025 from 7pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) 2026 Information Session
If you are politically engaged and have a completed Bachelor of Arts degree, the Bundestag invites you to apply for the International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) – a one-month program in Berlin where you will learn about the work and functions of the German Parliament.
Topics Covered:
- Plural society
- Protection of minorities
- Remembrance culture
- Workshops on anti-corruption
- Intercultural training
- Introduction to project management
These topics aim to strengthen democracy in your own country.
Requirements:
- Under the age of 30
- Minimum B2 German proficiency
- BA Degree
Cost: FREE entry. Registration is required and can be done online
When: Thursday, 15 May 2025 from 1pm
Where: This is a hybrid event. You can attend the session at Goethe-Institut South Africa or join via Zoom.
Network Event and Talk: Building a Stronger NPO Sector through Fundraising
This event, hosted by CCA Consulting, the Goethe-Institut, and the British Council, brings together NPO professionals to share knowledge, network, and explore innovative ways to build sustainable income streams.
Enjoy coffee and refreshments while engaging in presentations from global fundraising experts, themed discussions on sector growth, and practical advice on recruiting and retaining top fundraising talent.
The first speaker on the lineup is Nancy Ncube, a former journalist and broadcaster with experience across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. She will be presenting a talk titled The BUSINESS of Raising Funds in South Africa.
The second speaker is Bruce Tait. With 35 years of experience, Bruce is a global fundraising consultant based in Scotland, advising charities across Europe, Africa, and North America.Bruce will be presenting a talk titled How to Ask for Money, where he will demonstrate how crafting a compelling “Case for Support” can dramatically improve your fundraising outcomes.
Cost: Free entry, RSVP via email at [email protected]
When: Wednesday, 21 May 2025 from 9.30am to 12pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Find out more about the event
IDAHOBIT 2025
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) falls on 17 May each year and is dedicated to inspiring communities and allies to take action against discrimination and violence experienced by LGBTQIA+ people.
The Goethe-Institut is commemmorating this important day with an evening of inspiring panel discussions, a screening of a queer film, music, and networking all in the name of queer allyship.
This year’s IDAHOBIT theme is “The Power of Communities: Gender, Language and Power”. Under this theme, members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community stand together for diversity, solidarity, and visibility.
Cost: FREE entry
When: Wednesday, 21 May 2025 from 5pm to 9pm
Where: Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Find out more about the IDAHOBIT event
House on the Hill’s ‘Silent Treatment’
Silent Treatment is a 4-month long multidisciplinary arts project celebrating the diversity and creativity of South African jazz. This compelling exhibition brings together curated photographic and textual installations that document the journey of the House on the Hill Jazz Community Showcase Series, split into 24 episodes.
Each set of 6 episodes is showcased monthly, complemented by a live, intimate acoustic performance from featured artists of the series. These performances happen in a uniquely curated “silent space” with cozy, informal seating — think cushions and beanbags instead of rows of chairs.
The exhibition includes:
- 24 chronologically arranged episodes with photographs and narratives
- Artist quotes and descriptive text
- QR codes linking to each corresponding performance on the House on the Hill YouTube channel
Carlo Mombelli live + Exhibition Part 2
The second live event is a powerful collaboration featuring jazz greats Carlo Mombelli (bass), Tlale Makhene (percussion/voice), and Marcus Wyatt (trumpet/flugel). These lockdown compositions combine moody reflections, rhythmic depth, and spontaneous creativity.
Exhibition part 2 features Episodes 7 to 12 of the Jazz Community Showcase Series, which are divided as follows:
- Episode 7 – Tlale Makhene featuring Nathi Shongwe, Tshego AMG and Vuyo Manyike
- Episode 8 – Mthunzi Mvubu featuring Neil Engel, Dalisu Ndlazi and Sphelelo Mazibuko
- Episode 9 – Benjamin Jephta featuring Simon Manana and Keenan Ahrends
- Episode 10 – Peter Auret, David Cousins and Amaeshi Ikechi
- Episode 11 – Andre Petersen and Bokani Dyer
- Episode 12 – Bheki Khoza featuring Lex Futshane and Siphiwe Shiburi
Cost: FREE entry, though booking for the live concert is required via Quicket
When: Live event 2 is on Thursday, 22 May 2025 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The exhibition opens on 22 May from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and closes on 17 June 2025
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
See the full installation schedule
Game Afternoon
Whether you’re a board game enthusiast or simply looking for a great way to spend time with family and friends, this Game Afternoon event is for you. Bring your loved ones along for a dose of healthy competition as you face off in a series of family-friendly games.
Come play, connect, and unwind. Food and drink are also available for purchase at the cafeteria. To receive the menu in advance, please email [email protected].
Cost: Free entry, book via Quicket
When: Friday, 23 May 2025 from 3pm to 6pm
Where: Auditorium, Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Learn more about the game afternoon
Working and Living in Germany Information Session
In this interactive lecture by the International Placement Service of the Federal Employment Agency, you will receive information about living and working in Germany.
Topics Covered:
- Recognition of academic and professional qualifications
- Job and training search
- Cover letters and interviews
- Social security system in Germany
Feel free to ask your own questions during the session.
The project is co-financed by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and is aimed at third-country nationals in Germany and those about to immigrate to Germany. Students are not part of the target group.
Eligibility for Registration:
You can register if you are a third-country national and have one of the following residence titles:
- Residence permit to carry out vocational training, search for a training place, recognition of foreign professional qualifications, work, job search, spouse or family reunification
- Visa or visa application for the above-mentioned residence purposes
- EU Blue Card
- Residence permit according to § 24 Abs. 1 AufenthG
Cost: Free entry. Registration is required and can be done online
When: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 from 10.30am to 12pm
Where: This event is exclusively online and is offered in English with simultaneous audio translation into French and automatic subtitling in more than 25 other languages
Silent Book Club
The Silent Book Club invites book lovers to the Goethe-Institut to share their love for books with like-minded people as they read together in silence. The mission remains the same: reading together and getting to know one another without any homework!
To participate, bring any book that you are interested in reading or explore the Goethe library for a title that piques your interest.
Cost: FREE entry
When: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 from 6.30pm to 9pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Jembaa Groove and more take the stage at Afrodiaspora Connection 2025
The Goethe-Institut, in collaboration with The Dig Global (South Africa) and Jazz re:freshed (United Kingdom), proudly presents Jembaa Groove (Germany) as part of the all-star lineup for this year’s Afrodiaspora Connection.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness one of Europe’s most exciting Afro-fusion bands live in concert. From hypnotic Highlife grooves to soaring jazz solos and irresistible Afro-soul energy, Jembaa Groove’s live show is must-see.
The band will also be joined by UK musician Zara Mcfalane and British afro-punk band Steam Down. On the local front, the lineup features Afro jazz artist Buhlebendalo, jazz composer and pianist Keenan Meyer, and many more.
Cost: From R350pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 31 May 2025 from 1pm
Where: Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct, 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Find out more about the jazz event
Get in touch
Website: goethe.de/ins/za
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 011 442 3232
Instagram: @goetheinstitut_southafrica
Facebook: @goethe.joburg
