The Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg is hosting film, art, language and literature events throughout the month of July 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 July programme:
Word N Sound Poetry League Round 3
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, 5 July 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.
Cost: R50 entry at the door
When: Round 3— Saturday, 5 July 2025 from 12pm to 5pm. Runs until 1 November 2025
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
See the full poetry league schedule
Learning Strategies workshop
Unlock the secrets to more effective language learning! This interactive workshop will introduce a variety of learning strategies designed to accelerate your progress and help you retain and apply new knowledge with ease.
Through practical tips and techniques, you’ll discover which strategies work best for your individual learning style—making your journey to mastering German smoother and more successful.
Reasons to attend:
- Learn how to learn more efficiently
- Discover personalized strategies that suit your learning style
- Improve your ability to retain and apply new language skills
- Get expert guidance from the Goethe-Institut team
Cost: Free, register online
When: Monday, 7 July 2025 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm
Where: Online
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 July is Little Rot, a thrilling new novel from the bestselling, award-winning Akwaeke Emezi, about five friends trying to outrun and outmatch a powerful, underground world.
One weekend. The elite underbelly of a Nigerian city. A breakup that starts a spiral. A party that goes awry. A tangled web of sex and lies and corruption that leaves no one unscathed. Little Rot is a whirling journey through the city’s dark side, told through the eyes of five people, each determined to run from the twisted powers out to destroy them.
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 July 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 July 2025 from 6.30pm to 9pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Sound Waves Public Panel: The Evolving Industry of Podcasting
Join for a thought-provoking conversation on the global evolution of podcasting, with a special focus on developments in South Africa, France, and Germany. This panel will explore:
- Emerging trends in podcast production and distribution
- Opportunities for creators in different markets
- How audiences are engaging with podcasts today
- The cultural and technological shifts shaping the industry
Cost: Free entry
When: Friday, 11 July from 11am to 12pm
Where: IFAS, 62 Juta Street, Braamfontein
Launch event: Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture in Southern Africa
Join the official launch of the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Southern Africa, a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening cultural production and fostering exchange between Southern Africa and Europe.
This EU-funded initiative, implemented by the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, supports local, regional, and international cooperation around cultural heritage. It focuses on the narratives that give meaning to heritage sites and practices in:
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
The project is part of the broader Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture program, which promotes equitable dialogue and cooperation, inclusive access to cultural exchange and funding, co-ownership and co-responsibility, and sustainable impact across both continents.
Cost: Free entry, RSVP with via email [email protected]
When: Friday, 18 July 2025
Where: Flame Studios, Constitution Hill, 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
Vuma Levin and Sisonke Xonti live + Exhibition Part 4
The closing event of the series includes a magical performance by Vuma Levin (guitar) and Sisonke Xonti (tenor sax) – a duo that blends lush melodies, layered loops, and masterful improvisation. Expect a night of deep mood and texture.
Exhibition part 4 features Episodes 19 to 24 of the Jazz Community Showcase Series, which are divided as follow:
- Episode 19 – Khaya Mahlangu featuring Sanele Phakathi, Benjamin Jephta and Sphelelo Mazibuko
- Episode 20 – Gally Ngoveni and Nico Phooko
- Episode 21 – MoAfrika Wa Mokgathi ‘Kiba Trio’ featuring Sthembiso Bhengu and Thembinkosi Mavimbela
- Episode 22 – Mac McKenzie featuring Kabelo Mothlomi, Peter Jaspan and Daliwonga Tshangela
- Episode 23 – Spha Mdlalose & Titi Luzipo featuring Sthembiso Bhengu and Lungelo Ngcobo
- Episode 24 – Feya Faku featuring Bokani Dyer and Shane Cooper
Cost: The live event is SOLD OUT, but the exhibition is open to the public until closing.
When: The exhibition opens on 24 July from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and closes on 5 August 2025
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
See the full installation schedule
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 July 2025 from 6.30pm to 9pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
The Art of Laughter Stand-Up Show
The Art of Laughter is a night of stand-up comedy featuring the best South African comedians at the Goethe-Institut.
Hosted by Mo Mothebe, The Art of Laughter show will include the comedic stylings of Tats Nkonzo and the incomparable Skhumba Hlophe. Host Tshireletso “Mo” Mothebe is a young comedian from Pretoria, and a refreshing voice in the local comedy scene.
South African stand‑up comedian Mthawelanga “Tats” Nkonzo first gained attention as a Top 24 finalist on Idols in 2005, then reached the Top 8 in SABC1’s So You Think You’re Funny? in 2008, which led to a national tour at the time. Skhumba Hlophe is well-known for his sharp wit, relatable humour, and energetic stage presence.
Cost: R200pp, book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 31 July 2025 from 7pm to 9.30pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Find out more about the comedy show
Get in touch
Website: goethe.de/ins/za
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 011 442 3232
Instagram: @goetheinstitut_southafrica
Facebook: @goethe.joburg
