Five ordinary storytellers captivated a full house at Story Slam KZN last week, raising funds to help provide life-changing educational opportunities for local children.

The 22nd edition of the popular event drew a capacity crowd of about 245 people to Butcher & Wine in Salt Rock on Thursday, July 30.

The concept originated in New York City in 2001 through the non-profit organisation The Moth and has since spread around the world.

The KZN edition supports the DKS Scholarship Fund, a local non-profit that provides five-year educational scholarships and mentorships. Named after the Doveton, Krohn and Sibanda families, the fund currently sponsors a local boy at Northwood Boys’ High School in Durban North and hopes to sponsor a second pupil soon.

Each Story Slam is built around a theme. This edition, titled Great Expectations, featured speakers John Comley, Sarah Jobling, Munyadizwa Rabambi, André Barnard and Kevin Hedderwick, who shared authentic personal stories as community members came together to connect over a meal and drinks while raising funds for the scholarship programme.

The next edition is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27. Booking is essential.