National Book Week has begun

Mr Paul Mashatile, Minister of Arts and Culture officially opened National Book Week at Babs Madlakane Community Hall in Uitenhage on Monday. South Africa commemorates National Book Week every first week of September. It is an initiative of the South African Book Development Council (SABDC) in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture.

The commemoration coincides with International Literacy Day on 8 September. The main purpose is to encourage reading to the general public, increase awareness of the importance of reading for the development of the nation and to promote publishing industry skills for the benefit of South African and African authors. There are numerous events and initiatives happening country wide around National Book Week. More information can be found on the SABDC website. Read a copy of the Ministers’ speech on the DAC’s website here.