The Nation celebrates reading

The first week of September was once again marked with a flurry of reading promotion activities across South Africa. National Book Week was launched in Port Elizabeth on Monday, 2 September 2013. The launch was attended by some of the leading voices in the South African literary landscape.

The Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Ms Xoliswa Tom, delivered the keynote address on behalf of Minister Paul Mashatile. She conveyed the Minister’s apologies for not being able to attend, and read out his message: “National Book Week is one of the most significant interventions in our efforts to mainstream the book sector as an important contributor to job creation, poverty alleviation and skills development. A widespread culture of reading would create a more knowledgeable society, contribute to the acquisition of skills and advance the economic contribution of the book sector.”
The guest speaker at the opening event was renowned storyteller, Dr Gcina Mhlophe, who performed some of her most popular stories. Other performers included school choirs, musicians and arts groups from around Eastern Cape. The Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Mr Ben Fihla, was particularly grateful that the metro was selected to host National Book Week. Prof Keorapetse Kgositsile, Special Advisor to the Minister, donated books on behalf of the Department. The opening event was also graced by internationally acclaimed writer, Prof Zakes Mda, who gave a number of interviews in support of National Book Week.
The rest of the week was filled with a lot of reading promotion activities, including book discussions by learners, creative writing workshops and motivational talks by a number of prominent authors and ambassadors. Ambassadors who visited schools include musicians Kabomo Vilakazi, Lulu and Zonke Dikana, radio personalities Refiloe Mpakanyane and Lupi Ngcayisa, as well as authors Sindiwe Magona and Thembelani Ngenelwa. Social Media was one of the strongest instruments in creating awareness, and ambassadors Shaka Sisulu and Tebogo Ditshego used their resources to promote discussions about reading on twitter.
The highlight of National Book Week was probably the Reading for Redemption programme, where the DAC and the SA Book Development Council collaborated with the Department of Correctional Services. The programme involved reading activities for offenders, which equips them with skills that are crucial in their rehabilitation process. A comprehensive programme was held at the St Albans Correctional Centre, where Minister Sibusiso Ndebele received books from the DAC. The books will be distributed to correctional services libraries and book clubs across the Eastern Cape.
The grand finale of National Book Week was held in Grahamstown, where the PUKU Storytelling festival was launched under the chairmanship of Elinor Sisulu. The programme featured a discussion between Zakes Mda and Siphiwo Mahala, facilitated by legendary actor and theatre director, Dr John Kani. This occasion was one of several satellite events that took place throughout the country, including Atlantis in the Western Cape, Mangaung in the Free State, and throughout Gauteng. The DAC in association with various publishers affiliated to the Publishers’ Association of South Africa (PASA), ensured that book donation was a dominant feature in most of the events.
The activities of National Book Week received comprehensive coverage in most of the major newspapers, Radio and TV programmes such as Sunday Live, Morning Live, Expresso and Sunrise. This amount of publicity is crucial in our efforts of reaching out to all sectors of our society. National Book Week was a resounding success in developing skills, promoting access to books and creating awareness about the importance of reading.
For updates on all National Book Week activities visit:

Facebook: NationalBookWeekSA
Twitter: NBW_SA
Website: www.sabookcouncil.co.za