The Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg is hosting film, art, language and literature events throughout the month of April 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 April programme:
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 April is The Rest of You by Maame Blue. Spanning three decades and told through the viewpoints of Whitney, sisters Gloria and Aretha, and their house help Maame Serwaa, The Rest of You explores what happens when we try to move forward through the lacuna of our past.
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, 9 April 2025 from 7pm
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, 10 April 2025 from 6.30pm to 9pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Word N Sound Legacy X: Future History Exhibition closing
Join for the closing of the Word N Sound Legacy X exhibition, which brings together food, literature, and community, featuring conversations with well-known published authors, a writers’ speed date, and an open mic session.
For over a decade, Word N Sound has shaped the spoken word movement in South Africa, transforming poetry from a niche art form into a thriving cultural force. Word N Sound Legacy X: Future History reflects on this remarkable journey—from a single microphone and a shared dream to a platform that has amplified African voices across the world.
This exhibition invites visitors to walk through the milestones, performances, and voices that built this legacy. Through archival material, multimedia installations, and interactive experiences, audiences will witness how history continues to echo in every story shared. More than a retrospective, this exhibition challenges visitors to imagine the future of storytelling in an ever-evolving world.
Cost: FREE entry
When: Closing on Saturday, 12 April 2025 from 12pm to 5pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Live Literature Market
The Goethe-Institut is excited to invite you to be part of the Live Literature Market, a vibrant gathering of authors, booksellers, and readers, happening alongside the closing of the #WNSLegacyX Exhibition.
This is your chance to showcase your books, connect with literature lovers, and engage with a community passionate about storytelling. Featured guest speakers for the event include award-winning author of Patient 12A Lesedi Molefi, black literature podcasters Cheeky Natives, and actress, singer, writer, and coach Lwazilubanzi Mthembu.
If you’re an independent author looking to share your work or a bookseller eager to connect with new audiences, this market is the perfect space to celebrate literature in all its forms. Take this opportunity to showcase your work and register for the market now!
Cost: FREE entry. The restaurant will be open on the day | Authors and booksellers register to be a part of the market via Google Form
When: Saturday, 12 April 2025 from 12pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Film Screening: Nico (2021)
Nico is a feature film that addresses violence – the indifferent violence women face in everyday life and the targeted violence people endure due to their ethnicity. The film stars Sara Fazilat, who brilliantly portrays Nico, a character with Iranian roots and Berliner bluntness.
Nico is a highly appreciated geriatric nurse, well-liked for her constant good mood. However, her life is shattered when she is brutally attacked by three young, racist Germans. The film brings viewers so close to Nico that they can palpably feel the psychological effects of the violence, making the trauma almost physical.
Sara Fazilat takes viewers through Nico’s journey of fear, anger, and resignation, as well as her self-imposed isolation and rigorous karate training, until she finally finds the strength for a new light-heartedness.
The film is in German with English subtitles.
Cost: FREE entry
When: Thursday, 17 April 2025 from 6pm to 7.15pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
The Art of Laughter
Join for a night of stand-up comedy featuring the best South African comedians. Hosted by Mo Mothebe at the Goethe-Institut, the show will include the comedic stylings of Netflix and Amazon star Robby Collins and the incomparable Queen of African Stand-up Comedy, Celeste Ntuli.
Cost: R200pp, book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 24 April 2025 from 7pm to 10pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
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
Live Event + Exhibition Part 1
Kicking off the Silent Treatment live event series are the phenomenal vocalists Spha Mdlalose and Titi Luzipo who will be performing as a duo. They are joined by Lungelo Ngcobo (Rhodes) and Sthembiso Bhengu (trumpet). Expect rich, soul-nourishing melodies in an intimate acoustic setting.
Exhibition part 1 features Episodes 1 to 6 of the Jazz Community Showcase Series which are divided as follows:
- Episode 1 – Thandi Ntuli featuring Shane Cooper and Nompumelelo Nhlapo
- Episode 2 – Vuma Levin featuring Sisonke Xonti
- Episode 3 – Billy Monama featuring Themba Mokoena
- Episode 4 – Carlo Mombelli featuring Marcus Wyatt, Keenan Ahrends and Ayanda Sikade
- Episode 5 – Yonela Mnana featuring Kabelo Monnathebe and Gontse Makhene
- Episode 6 – Sydney Mavundla featuring Afrika Mkhize and Amaeshi Ikechi
Cost: FREE entry, though booking is required for the live concert via Quicket
When: Live event 1 is on Thursday, 24 April 2025 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The exhibition is open from 24 April to 19 May 2025
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
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, 30 April 2025 from 6.30pm to 9pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Get in touch
Website: goethe.de/ins/za
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 011 442 3232
Instagram: @goetheinstitut_southafrica
Facebook: @goethe.joburg
