Once banned during the apartheid era, and continues to inspire and educate generations of readers, Es’kia Mphahlele’s Down Second Avenue was the centre of discussion at a compelling book conversation hosted by Kwetso Consulting Services and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Books and Publishing unit in partnership with the National Library of South Africa, held at the NLSA’s Pretoria Campus on 12 September 2025.

Supporting the conversation, the NLSA showcased a selection of both banned and current materials through an extraordinary exhibition. The event provided a platform to reflect on the significance of books that were banned during the apartheid era, with a specific focus on Es’kia Mphahlele’s Down Second Avenue.

Ms Mandisa Tshikwatamba, Interim CEO at the NLSA, outlined the importance of having such conversations. “Revisiting these once-forbidden works reminds us of the importance of understanding our past in order to build a more inclusive and democratic future. This conversation honours the courage of writers who used the written word to challenge injustice. It also reaffirms the transformative power of literature to provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and strengthen the fabric of our society”.

The programme created an interactive space where participants engaged in robust discussions about the themes of the book, its relevance in contemporary society, and the role of literature in shaping identity and collective memory.