Wrap Up of National Book Week and South African Book Fair

South Africa’s longest running and most recognised reading promotion campaign recently drew to a successful close. This year marked the ninth annual National Book Week (NBW) in association with Department of Arts & Culture and the South African Book Development Council (SABDC).

NBW embarked on a nationwide tour from 3 to 9 September in all nine provinces and thousands of children, youth and adults were interacted with through 13 events held across South Africa. The tour reached beyond urban centres and went to places like Op Die Berg in Western Cape, Letsopa in North West and Mgobodzi in Mpumalanga. In recognition of NBW, The National Book Week Champion Awards were held in Newtown to honour the provincial and municipal government teams that made NBW possible through their outstanding dedication and commitment in promoting reading throughout the country.

The Book Week culminated with the South African Book Fair from 7 to 9 September at Johannesburg’s Newtown Precinct. With over 120 authors in attendance, the theme for this year’s event was #OURSTORIES to highlight that South Africans can – and should – be the authors of their own stories.

“It’s through sheer partnerships that we can pull off events like National Book Week and the South African Book Fair. We are grateful for the support we receive from the Department of Arts and Culture and the Fibre, Processing and Manufacturing SETA. It is through initiatives like this that we share the rich stories of our country and promote a reading culture” commented Elitha van der Sandt CEO SABDC.

Families, children and youth from across the country turned up to participate in the best the industry has to offer as the exciting line-up at this year’s Book Fair had something for everyone which included an extensive exhibition of the latest titles published by commercial publishers, panel discussions with leading movers and shakers, philosophy café events facilitated by prominent thought leaders, poetry café events featuring some of Africa’s boldest voices, and interactive sessions dealing with some of the most pressing social, economic and political issues facing our country today.

Debuting at this year’s Book Fair were The African Philosophy Café to discuss the tale of two hegemons: SA and Nigeria in Africa, and; the Authors Corner to provide support to aspirant authors.

NBW will return from 2 – 8 September 2019 for its TENTH ANNIVERSARY. It will have its own dedicated space on the South African calendar and be launched as part of #HeritageMonth. Everyone is encouraged to promote the importance of books in 2019 through #NBWturns10 and to share their celebration ideas with the SABDC as they may form part of the activities line-up.

The South African Book Fair (Book Fair), is presented by the South African Book Development Council, in proud association with the Fibre, Processing and Manufacturing SETA (FP&M) and Kaya FM.