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041Online’s Faziela Harris-Davids attended Mirari Press’s second birthday celebration at Exclusive Books V&A Waterfront, where authors, readers and creatives gathered to celebrate two years of independent publishing and the power of South African stories.
Now that my social battery has finally recovered, the glow from attending Mirari Press’s second birthday celebration on 6 June still lingers.
Hosted at the beautiful Exclusive Books at the V&A Waterfront, the afternoon was alive with the kind of magic that only happens when storytellers gather: authors, readers, publishers and creatives sharing space in celebration of an independent press that has spent two years carving out something truly special.
More Than Just Books on Shelves
As a self-published author, I know intimately the mountain of administration, perseverance and resilience required to bring a book into the world. In an industry where thousands of stories exist but only a select few are granted access through traditional publishing routes, many voices remain unheard. It is simply the reality of a system that has been shaped by decades of corporate structures and gatekeeping.
That is why Mirari Press feels like a much-needed breath of fresh air.
With eighteen titles under its belt and a catalogue rooted in speculative fiction, Mirari Press is not merely adding more books to the shelves. It is making room for the South African voice in all its complexity, imagination and beauty.
Making Space for Every Story
One of the most powerful things I took away from the day’s events was the reminder that there is space for every story. In 2026, our voices are needed in the wider global conversation more than ever.
Because the world deserves to fall in love with our stories beyond our struggles and trauma. It deserves to witness our wonder, our mythology, our humour, our creativity, and the incredible range of talent that exists within South African storytelling.
A New Chapter for Independent Publishing
Marius du Plessis, the visionary behind Mirari Press, is challenging an industry that has, for far too long, been comfortable with the same familiar voices. It is exciting to witness the beginning of this movement, and I am honoured to see what stories Mirari Press brings into the world next.
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