Healers Hill Nguni Writers Retreat 2026

OPEN CALL: Healers Hill Nguni Writers Retreat 2026

A 5-day creative residency and wellness experience at Ntsikeni Nature Reserve

Retreat Overview

The Healers Hill Nguni Writers Retreat is a 5-day creative residency and wellness experience designed to restore inspiration, mindfulness, and creativity among writers. Hosted by Imilolozelo NPC (formerly IKhambi Writers Hub) in partnership with ON at the breathtaking Ntsikeni Nature Reserve, this retreat provides a healing environment where participants can reconnect with themselves, their craft, and the natural world—away from the distractions and pressures of everyday life.

Built on the belief that creativity flourishes in silence, stillness, and nature, the programme embraces storytelling as a tool for personal healing and social transformation.

Retreat Details at a Glance

What Healers Hill Nguni Writers Retreat
When 16–20 March 2026
Where Ntsikeni Nature Reserve
Who Poets, novelists, short story writers, playwrights, and songwriters
Age 18–35 years
Languages isiXhosa, isiZulu, isiNdebele, siSwati
Applications 15 February – 6 March 2026
Announcement 10 March 2026
Cost FREE for selected participants

Programme Activities

Activity Description
🔥 Bonfire Late-Night Stories Gather around the fire for intimate storytelling sessions under the stars
🧘 Self-Searching Yoga Session Morning yoga to centre the body and quiet the mind
🏔️ Ntsikeni Mountain Hiking Guided hikes through one of KwaZulu-Natal's most pristine landscapes
💧 Waterfall Trail Visits Explore hidden waterfalls and find inspiration in their power and peace
🧺 Lakeside Picnic Session Share meals and conversation by the water
🌅 Sunset Viewing Reflection Daily sunset gatherings for quiet reflection and writing
🐦 Bird Observation & Nature Journaling Document the rich birdlife and natural beauty of the reserve
🎷 Jam Session with a Jazz Band Evening music sessions to stir the soul and spark creativity

Why Ntsikeni Nature Reserve?

Ntsikeni Nature Reserve is one of KwaZulu-Natal's best-kept secrets—a pristine wetland ecosystem nestled in the rolling hills near the Lesotho border. It is a place of extraordinary beauty and silence, home to:

  • Over 220 bird species, including the rare wattled crane

  • Vast wetlands, grasslands, and indigenous forests

  • Dramatic mountain views and hidden waterfalls

  • Complete absence of urban noise and light pollution

For writers, Ntsikeni is not just a venue; it is a collaborator—a source of silence, stillness, and inspiration that cannot be manufactured.

Who Should Apply

We invite applications from:

  • Poets – Working on a collection or seeking new work

  • Novelists – Developing a manuscript

  • Short story writers – Crafting new stories

  • Playwrights – Working on a script or performance piece

  • Songwriters – Writing lyrics in Nguni languages

We welcome both emerging and established writers. What matters most is your commitment to your craft and your openness to the healing power of nature and community.

Submission Guidelines

Languages

Consideration will only be given to writers who write in Nguni languages:

  • isiXhosa

  • isiZulu

  • isiNdebele

  • siSwati

Required Materials

Please submit the following:

  1. Short artist profile/biography (maximum 300 words)

    • Who you are

    • Your writing background and experience

    • Any publications or achievements (if applicable)

  1. Motivational letter (maximum 500 words)

    • Why you want to attend the Healers Hill retreat

    • What you hope to gain from the experience

    • How this retreat will impact your writing and wellbeing

  1. Synopsis of the work you intend to develop (maximum 300 words)

    • Describe the project you will work on during the retreat

    • This could be a poetry collection, novel, short story, play, or song cycle

    • Tell us where you are in the process and what you hope to accomplish

Submission Email

Send all materials to: [email protected]

Subject line format: "Healers Hill Application – [Your Full Name] – [Genre]"

Example: "Healers Hill Application – Thando Mkhize – Poetry"

Timeline

15 February 2026 Applications open
6 March 2026 Applications close (midnight)
10 March 2026 Successful applicants announced
16–20 March 2026 Healers Hill Nguni Writers Retreat

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed on:

  • Quality of writing – Demonstrated through your artist profile and project synopsis

  • Clarity of intention – A clear sense of what you hope to gain and contribute

  • Commitment to Nguni languages – Work that engages meaningfully with isiXhosa, isiZulu, isiNdebele, or siSwati

  • Potential for growth – How the retreat might transform your practice

We aim to select a diverse cohort representing different genres, regions, and stages of career development.

What's Included – Completely Free for Selected Participants

Thanks to the generous support of our funders and partners, the Healers Hill Nguni Writers Retreat is offered at no cost to selected participants.

Accommodation 5 days / 4 nights at Ntsikeni Nature Reserve
Meals All meals provided (traditional, home-cooked)
Programme All retreat activities and workshops
Facilitation Guidance from experienced writers and facilitators
Materials Writing journals and basic supplies
Transport Group transport from UMzimkhulu to Ntsikeni (if needed)

What to Bring

  • Notebook and pens (though we provide journals)

  • Comfortable clothing for hiking and outdoor activities

  • Warm layers (evenings can be cold in the mountains)

  • Walking shoes / hiking boots

  • Personal toiletries and medications

  • A torch / headlamp

  • Your favourite book (for sharing around the fire)

  • An open heart

Facilitators

Kwazi Ndlangisa – Founder of IKhambi Writers Hub, award-winning poet, and author of Collecting Self and Vukani Kusile. Kwazi will lead writing sessions and one-on-one mentorship conversations.

Guest Facilitators – The retreat will feature guest mentors specialising in different genres, including:

  • Playwriting mentor (TBC)

  • Songwriting mentor (TBC)

  • Wellness and yoga facilitator

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a published writer to apply?

No. We welcome both emerging and established writers. What matters is your commitment to your craft.

Can I apply if I write in more than one Nguni language?

Yes. Please indicate which languages you work in and submit work in the language(s) of your choice.

Is the retreat really free?

Yes. Thanks to our funders, selected participants attend at no cost. Accommodation, meals, activities, and transport are all covered.

Can I attend if I don't live in KwaZulu-Natal?

Yes. The retreat is open to applicants based anywhere in South Africa. Group transport from UMzimkhulu will be available.

What genre of writing is eligible?

Poetry, novels, short stories, plays, and songwriting. If you're working on something that doesn't fit these categories, please contact us to discuss.

Will there be time for individual writing?

Absolutely. The programme balances group activities with generous unstructured time for writing, walking, and resting.

What language will the retreat be conducted in?

Sessions will be primarily in isiZulu and English, with flexibility depending on participant needs.

How many participants will be selected?

We aim to select a small, intimate cohort of 12–15 writers to ensure meaningful connection and individual attention.

Why a Free Retreat?

We believe that access to creative renewal should not depend on ability to pay. Writers from rural communities, emerging voices, and those carrying heavy stories deserve spaces of rest and restoration just as much as anyone else.

Thanks to the support of:

  • ON

  • National Arts Council of South Africa

  • National Department of Sport, Arts & Culture

  • Ntsikeni Nature Reserve

  • Individual donors and partners

We are able to offer this transformative experience at no cost to participants. This is our commitment to nurturing Nguni-language literature and the writers who create it.

Apply Now

Deadline: 6 March 2026 (midnight)

Send your application to: [email protected]

Subject line: "Healers Hill Application – [Your Full Name] – [Genre]"

We look forward to reading your work and perhaps welcoming you to Ntsikeni.

Share This Opportunity

Know someone who should apply? Share this open call.

#HealersHillRetreat

#NguniWriters

#WriteToHeal

#IKhambiWritersHub

Contact

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