Rachel Kolisi Cancels Kingsmead Book Fair After Surgery

Author and speaker Rachel Kolisi has announced that she will no longer attend the upcoming Kingsmead Book Fair after recently undergoing surgery.

Rachel shared the update on her Instagram Story, explaining that she needs time to recover and will miss the event, which is set to take place on Saturday, 23 May 2026.

“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen surgery and needing time to recover, I will no longer be able to attend the @kingsmeadbf Wishing the Kingsmead team and all the incredible authors participating all the best for the festival this weekend,” she wrote.

The news comes just days after Rachel revealed that she had been admitted to hospital. While sharing a photo from her hospital bed, she used humour to reassure her followers that she was doing okay.

“Had a few ideas for the caption of this one! Took @fallingforward_ a little too seriously. POV: when you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Nothing like morphine and friendship. Doctors said ‘take a load off.’ I got competitive.”

“On a serious note, all is well. What a blessing it is to be loved.”

The Kingsmead Book Fair is set to host its 14th annual gathering at Kingsmead College in association with Standard Bank Wealth and Investment, Exclusive Books and media partner Hot 102.7.

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According to the organisers, the fair is “an observatory of books, authors and stories that invite awe and reflection.” They added that every book shines differently and every reader responds in their own way, while still being connected through a shared experience of wonder.

The organisers also expressed hope that this year’s programme would create “a platform for imagination to be awakened and curiosity sparked.”

Before Rachel’s withdrawal, the fair had previously announced that she would appear as one of the featured authors for her memoir, Falling Forward. The memoir, co-authored with Zibu Sithole, was released alongside her documentary series of the same name.

Although she will no longer attend the event, many supporters continue to wish Rachel a speedy recovery as the festival prepares for a weekend celebrating books, storytelling and conversation.